Polymeric gels are materials made from long chains of molecules called polymers, which can absorb large amounts of water or other solvents. These gels have a unique structure that allows them to swell and retain their shape, making them useful in various applications, including biomedical engineering, drug delivery, and food science.
The properties of polymeric gels can be adjusted by changing the type of polymer or the conditions under which they are made. This versatility enables their use in products like contact lenses, wound dressings, and cosmetics, where they provide moisture retention and controlled release of active ingredients.