Natural polymer-based hydrogels: versatile biomaterials for biomedical applications

Abstract

Hydrogels are insoluble three-dimensional polymer networks that are water insoluble but can absorb large amounts of water or biological fluid. They can be prepared using a variety of polymers, including both synthetic and natural ones. Either physical crosslinking, chemical crosslinking, or both are used for the preparation of polymeric hydrogels. Hydrogels made from natural polymers like chitosan, gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and hyaluronic acid are promising biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering, cosmetics, agriculture, wound healing, etc. because of their high biocompatibility and biodegradability. The present work reviews the classification of natural polymer-based hydrogels, properties, cross-linking methods, characterization, and their biomedical applications.