Chapter 11 - Hydrogels for biomedical applications

Abstract

Much of the extensive development of nanotechnology is related to nanomaterials. This chapter will be about hydrogels used for biomedical purposes, demonstrating that most of the definitions are still under construction. Hydrogels consists in a hydrophilic polymer three-dimensional network that can absorb several times their own dry weight in water. They can be chemically stable or disintegrate and dissolve. Hydrogels are becoming more frequent in industrial products, including for biomedical applications. Because of their features such as biocompatibility, temperature resistance and sensitivity, they arise as promising biomaterials. In this context, hydrogels are being proposed and developed as new drug delivery systems, alternatives wound dressings and contact lenses, not limited to these applications. Because they are considered recent technology, there is still little information and few studies regarding their behavior in biological systems. Finally, comments are made about the marketing of products containing nanomaterials.