A Review on Polymeric Hydrogels for Dual Applications in Water Purification and Wound Healing

Abstract

                  Polymeric hydrogels have been recognized as a new generation of material for multifunctional use owing to their high water retention capacity, three-dimensional crosslinked network structure, and responsiveness to external stimuli like pH, temperature, and ionic strength. These unique physicochemical characteristics of the hydrogels have made these materials critical in a multitude of biomedical and environmental uses. This review describes the dual-functional applications of polymeric hydrogels in two important domains: water purification and wound healing. Hydrogels are considered sustainable, ecologically friendly, and inexpensive adsorbent materials in the field of water treatment. Their excellent porous structure coupled with tunable surface chemistry aid in the efficient removal of a diverse spectrum of contaminants—heavy metals [Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺], synthetic dyes, and organic contaminants from industrial and domestic wastewater. The addition of functional groups including carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine and sulfonic groups improves their adsorption power and selectivity to particular pollutants. Moreover, by incorporating the nanomaterials metal oxide nanoparticles or carbon-based nanostructures, the mechanical stability, reuse rate and overall adsorption performance of hydrogels would be improved substantially. Conversely, polymeric hydrogels have demonstrated excellent activity in wound healing since they can mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Their soft, fluid-rich and biocompatible structure offers a perfect microenvironment for the adhesion, proliferation and regeneration of the cells. Hydrogels provide a moist wound microenvironment conducive to accelerating healing, preventing dehydration and minimizing infection risks, enhancing angiogenesis and promoting healing. Furthermore, they possess the possibility to be controlled drug delivery agents, allowing long-term release of various therapeutic agents as antibiotics such as antimicrobial compounds, anti-inflammatories and growth factors, as localized system. Their adjustable degradation rate and mechanical characteristics improve the application of a variety of materials to wounds, including chronic and burn wounds. Hydrogel design innovations in recent years have been more focused on a smart and stimuli-responsive design, which can be dynamically designed to adapt and change their properties for different environmental conditions. Advancements in physical and chemical crosslinking systems are increasing structural durability and performance. Yet, they still encounter several limitations, such as poor mechanical strength in some formulations, scalability and long-term durability in practical applications. Polymeric hydrogels serve as a promising platform for transforming hydrogels and with a strong potential to address global challenges in an age of continuous environmental preservation, sustainability, and health systems