Diffusion-Limited Processes in Hydrogels with Chosen Applications from Drug Delivery to Electronic Components
Filipp V. Lavrentev,
Vladimir V. Shilovskikh,
Varvara S. Alabusheva,
Veronika Yu. Yurova,
Anna A. Nikitina,
Sviatlana A. Ulasevich,
Ekaterina V. Skorb
Affiliations
Filipp V. Lavrentev
Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Vladimir V. Shilovskikh
Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Materials “SmartTextiles”, IRC–X-ray Coherent Optics, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
Varvara S. Alabusheva
Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Veronika Yu. Yurova
Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Anna A. Nikitina
Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Sviatlana A. Ulasevich
Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Ekaterina V. Skorb
Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Diffusion is one of the key nature processes which plays an important role in respiration, digestion, and nutrient transport in cells. In this regard, the present article aims to review various diffusion approaches used to fabricate different functional materials based on hydrogels, unique examples of materials that control diffusion. They have found applications in fields such as drug encapsulation and delivery, nutrient delivery in agriculture, developing materials for regenerative medicine, and creating stimuli-responsive materials in soft robotics and microrobotics. In addition, mechanisms of release and drug diffusion kinetics as key tools for material design are discussed.