Double network hydrogels: Design, fabrication, and application in biomedicines and foods

This article reviews the principles underlying the design and fabrication of hydrogels using different crosslinking approaches, including covalent and/or non-covalent bonding, and the formation mechanisms, network structures, and functional attributes of different DN hydrogels. The impact of polymer composition, structural organization, and bonding on the mechanical and functional properties of DN hydrogels is reviewed. Potential applications of these hydrogels are highlighted, including in tissue engineering, biomedicines, and foods. The functional attributes of DN hydrogels can be tailored to each of these applications by careful selection of the biopolymers and crosslinking mechanisms used to assemble them. Finally, areas where further research are needed to overcome the current limitations of DN hydrogels are highlighted.PMID:37783067 | DOI:10.1016/j.cis.2023.102999
Source: Advances in Colloid and Interface Science - Category: Chemistry Authors: Source Type: research