PREPARATION OF CELLULOSE-BASED HYDROGELS AND ITS APPLICATIONS: ‘A REVIEW’

Abstract

Cellulose-based hydrogels have become a crucial category of biopolymeric materials owing to their plentiful availability, compatibility with biological systems, and eco-friendly characteristics. This review presents an in-depth analysis of the synthesis, functionalization, and wide-ranging applications of hydrogels derived from cellulose and its primary derivatives—namely carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and methylcellulose (MC). The article highlights important preparation methods, including both physical and chemical crosslinking, techniques for polymer dissolution, and smart gelation processes, emphasizing how these factors affect the mechanical, swelling, and responsive properties of the resulting hydrogels. It additionally examines their essential functions in various areas such as drug delivery, wound care, tissue engineering, environmental cleanup, agriculture, and food preservation. By incorporating recent developments in formulation methods and multifunctional composite systems, this review highlights the transformative capabilities of cellulose-based hydrogels in the creation of sustainable materials for the future. The aim is to connect materials science with biomedical engineering by investigating how natural polymers can be tailored for high-performance uses, while tackling the persistent issues of mechanical stability, scalability, and responsiveness to stimuli.