Abstract

THE USE OF HYDROGEL IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE AND TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY

Rahul Kshirsagar*, Priti Lohakare and Gajanan Sanap

Abstract

Hydrophilic polymeric networks that are able of imbibing huge volumes of water and witnessing lump and loss suitably to grease controlled medicine- release are called hydrogels. Their porosity and comity with waterless surroundings make them largely seductive biocompatible medicine delivery vehicles. Their operations are multifarious and for several biomedical requirements as they're malleable into varied physical forms similar as nanoparticles, micro particles, crossbeams, flicks and coatings. The chapter discusses on how hydrogels are being manipulated presently for bettered targeted medicine delivery. Hydrogels, three-dimensional polymeric networks with high water retention, have emerged as vital tools in regenerative medicine and targeted drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. In regenerative medicine, hydrogels serve as scaffolds for tissue engineering, facilitating cell growth, differentiation, and healing in applications such as cartilage repair, bone regeneration, and neural tissue repair. In targeted drug delivery, their stimuli-responsive capabilities enable controlled and site- pecific release of drugs, including chemotherapeutics, proteins, and genetic material, improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Despite challenges like limited mechanical strength and scalability, advances in biofabrication, 3D printing, and biodegradable materials continue to enhance their potential. This abstract highlights the multifaceted roles of hydrogels in advancing healthcare, underscoring their transformative impact and future prospects.

Keywords: Hydrogel; classification of hydrogel; use of hydrogel in wound healing and tissue engineering.