Revista de Morfología y Anatomía

Advances in the Manufacturing and Utilization of Hydrogels Based on Inulin

Abstract

Liao Jennings*

Hydrogels, with their unique ability to retain large quantities of water, have garnered significant interest in various scientific and industrial applications. Inulin-based hydrogels represent a novel category of these materials, capitalizing on the natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties of inulin, a fructan polysaccharide derived from plants. This paper explores the recent advances in the manufacturing and utilization of inulin-based hydrogels. Emphasis is placed on the methods of synthesis, including chemical and physical cross-linking techniques, as well as their functional modifications to enhance properties like mechanical strength, swelling capacity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. The diverse applications of inulin-based hydrogels in biomedical fields, agriculture, food industry, and environmental engineering are discussed, highlighting their potential in drug delivery systems, wound healing, controlled release fertilizers, and water purification. The review underscores the promising future of inulin-based hydrogels, driven by their sustainable origins and versatile functionality.