Natural polymer-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels.

Abstract

The abilities of intelligent polymer hydrogels to change their structure and volume phase in response to external stimuli have provided new possibilities for various advanced technologies and great research and application potentials in medical field. The natural polymer-based hydrogels have the advantages of environment-friendliness, rich sources and good biocompatibility. Based on their responsiveness to external stimuli, the natural polymer-based hydrogels can be classified into temperature-responsive hydrogel, pH-responsive hydrogel, light-responsive hydrogel, electric-responsive hydrogel, redox-responsive hydrogel, enzyme-responsive hydrogel, magnetic-responsive hydrogel, multi-responsive hydrogel, etc. In this review, we have compiled some recent studies on natural polymer-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels, especially the hydrogels prepared from polysaccharides. The preparation methods, properties and applications of these hydrogels in medical field are highlighted.