Hydrogels: their future, Part I.
Hydrogels can be made from a wide variety of water-interactive or water-soluble polymers. They comprise a large family of materials with diverse properties, including some with "smart" responses to their environment. Part I of this two-part article will address the range of biomaterial syntheses, properties and applications that can be obtained from one ubiquitous and biocompatible structure: poly(ethylene oxide). Part II will discuss the applications of a novel class of intelligent materials.
Graham
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NB
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D005544:Forecasting; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry