Hydrogels: are they keeping their heads above water?
For as long as biomaterials have been designed, there has been a strong interest in certain water-containing substances known as hydrogels. These have been assumed to be "biocompatible" because of certain similarities they have with tissues of the body, but they also offer a variety of other desirable characteristics. For several reasons, however, hydrogels have not fully realized their potential. This article addresses some of the issues involved.
Williams
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Clinical Engineering Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000592:standards; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004343:Drug Implants; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D008422:Materials Testing; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000592:standards