Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer made from acrylamide monomers. It is commonly used in various applications, including water treatment, soil conditioning, and as a thickening agent in cosmetics. Its ability to absorb water makes it useful for improving soil structure and retaining moisture. In laboratories, polyacrylamide gels are often used in techniques like gel electrophoresis to separate proteins or nucleic acids based on size. This versatile material can be produced in different forms, such as powders or gels, depending on its intended use.