Hydrogels: Recent Advances

Abstract

Hydrogels represent a class of highly versatile, three-dimensional polymer networks renowned for their exceptional water absorption capacity, biocompatibility, and tunable physicochemical properties. This review comprehensively examines the diverse landscape of hydrogels, delineating the fundamental characteristics and applications of synthetic, natural, and advanced hybrid systems. It highlights the superior mechanical strength of synthetic hydrogels and the enhanced biocompatibility of their natural counterparts, while positioning hybrid hydrogels which synergistically combine both as multifunctional platforms with tailored properties for demanding biomedical applications. A significant focus is placed on antimicrobial hydrogels, detailing strategies for imparting antimicrobial functionality, including the incorporation of agents like peptides, antibiotics, and nanoparticles, to combat drug-resistant infections. Furthermore, the review underscores the profound significance of hydrogels in different fields. This work consolidates current advancements to illustrate the immense potential of hydrogels as innovative materials addressing complex challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and technology.

Keywords: Antibacterial Hydrogel; Biomedical Applications; Nanoparticles; Physicochemical Properties; Sustainability

Citation

Mahmood A, Mansoor HB, Hafeez G, Anwar MA, Jan SA. Hydrogels: Recent Advances. WebLog J Biotechnol Biomed Eng. wjbtbe.2026.c2704. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19319953