Smart Hydrogels

Smart hydrogels are innovative materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, or light. Composed mainly of water and polymer networks, they can swell or shrink when conditions change. This unique behavior makes them useful in various applications, including drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering. For example, a smart hydrogel might release medication only when it reaches a specific temperature in the body, ensuring targeted treatment. Their ability to adapt makes smart hydrogels an exciting area of research in materials science and medicine.