Abstract

HYDROGELS IN TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY: EMERGING TRENDS AND APPLICATIONS

*Gunaseelan M., Gomathidevi G., Gopinath S., Divya Shri M

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Abstract

Hydrogels, three-dimensional hydrophilic polymer networks retaining up to 99% water, are versatile platforms for targeted drug delivery. Their tissue-like structure, biocompatibility, and responsiveness to pH, temperature, light, or glucose enable precise, controlled drug release. Prepared via bulk, free-radical, solution, suspension polymerization, or cross-linking, hydrogels are customized for diverse biomedical uses. Drug release occurs through diffusion, swelling, or chemical degradation, ensuring sustained delivery. Classified by source (natural/synthetic), cross-linking (physical/chemical), or responsiveness, they excel in oral, ocular (e.g., Restasis®), transdermal, vaginal, colonic, and injectable applications, supporting wound healing, ophthalmology, biosensing, tissue engineering, and oncology. Advances in nanotechnology, bio-orthogonal cross-linking, and AI-driven design optimize formulations, overcoming biocompatibility challenges, while 3D-printed bio-inks enhance regenerative therapies. As intelligent carriers, hydrogels are poised to advance personalized medicine and clinical drug delivery, offering tunable, biocompatible solutions for next-generation therapeutic systems. This review highlighted the emerging potential of hydrogels as intelligent, biocompatible carriers, paving the way for nextgeneration personalized drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Hydrogels, Targeted Drug Delivery, Biocompatibility, Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, Bio-orthogonal Cross-linking.