Review on Biological-based Hydrogels for Advanced Applications

Abstract

Bio-based hydrogels, derived from natural materials such as chitosan, alginate, gelatin, and collagen, have garnered significant attention for their outstanding biocompatibility and ability to mimic natural tissues. This review examines commonly used preparation methods, including physical, chemical and hybrid cross-linking, along with their primary components, such as polysaccharides and proteins. Owing to their flexibility and responsiveness, these hydrogels are widely used in areas such as soft robotics, cancer therapy and biosensing. However, despite promising advancements, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding their limited strength and stability. Future research should aim to enhance the performance and reliability of these materials to support their integration into complex medical and engineering systems.