A review on hydrogel as drug delivery system

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review on hydrogel as drug delivery system”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
In the context of hydrogels, 'Drug' refers to the active pharmaceutical ingredients delivered through these polymer networks. Hydrogels allow for controlled release of drugs, ensuring that the active substances maintain therapeutic concentrations in the target site over prolonged periods. This controlled release makes hydrogels significant in pharmaceutical applications.

2) Swelling:
'Swelling' describes the ability of hydrogels to absorb water and expand due to their hydrophilic properties. This property is crucial for drug delivery systems, as swelling affects the release rates of drugs embedded in the hydrogel matrix. The extent of swelling is influenced by cross-linking density and environmental conditions.

3) Water:
'Water' serves as the primary solvent in which hydrogels operate. The interactions between water molecules and hydrogel polymers allow the material to swell and maintain its shape. The high water content gives hydrogels their tissue-like characteristics, enhancing biocompatibility and aiding in drug delivery applications.

4) Ravi (Ravin):
'Ravi' refers to the author of the article discussing hydrogels. The research contributions made by Ravi Jadhav provide insights into the synthesis, properties, and applications of hydrogels in the pharmaceutical field. The author's work highlights the significance of hydrogels as biomaterials and drug delivery systems.

5) Surface:
'Surface' pertains to the external layer of hydrogels, which plays a vital role in interacting with biological tissues and facilitating drug release. The surface properties can influence adhesion, biocompatibility, and the efficiency of drug absorption, thus impacting the overall effectiveness of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems.

6) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' relates to the adverse effects that may occur from the materials used in hydrogel formulation. Understanding the toxicity levels of monomers and initiators is vital for ensuring biocompatibility, particularly in drug delivery systems. Evaluating cytotoxicity helps in optimizing hydrogel safety for clinical applications.

7) Field:
'Field' refers to the area of study in which hydrogels are applied, including pharmaceuticals and biomedical engineering. In this context, the field encompasses research and innovations in hydrogel use for drug delivery, tissue engineering, diagnostics, and various therapeutic applications aimed at improving patient outcomes.

8) Biodegradable:
'Biodegradable' describes hydrogels designed to break down into non-toxic components over time, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing safety in drug delivery applications. Biodegradable hydrogels can eliminate the need for surgical removal after delivering drugs, making them suitable for various therapeutic uses, particularly in tissue engineering.

9) Tear:
'Tear' connects to the hydrogels used in ocular drug delivery, where hydrogels must interact with the tear film of the eye. Their compatibility with tears ensures comfort and effectiveness in delivering therapeutic agents for conditions affecting ocular health, thereby enhancing patient compliance in treatments.

10) Reason:
'Reason' in this context relates to the justifications for using hydrogels in various applications. Hydrogels serve specific purposes, such as improving drug delivery efficiency, enhancing patient adherence through comfort, and enabling targeted release based on physiological changes, making them relevant solutions in medicinal formulations.

11) Medium:
'Medium' refers to the environment in which hydrogels function, especially regarding their interaction with water or biological fluids. The medium influences the swelling behavior, drug release profile, and overall performance of hydrogels in delivering therapeutic agents in various medical applications.

12) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the field in which hydrogels are primarily used. Hydrogels serve as innovative delivery systems for various medications, enhancing their therapeutic effects. Applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering highlight the broader role of hydrogels within modern medical practice.

13) Dressing:
'Dressing' pertains to the application of hydrogels in wound care, providing a moist environment that promotes healing while cushioning the wound. Hydrogel dressings can protect against infection and facilitate patient comfort, proving beneficial in managing various types of wounds, including burns and ulcers.

14) Species:
'Species' commonly refers to the specific types of polymers or biological agents used in the formulation of hydrogels. Different species can influence the hydrogel's properties, including swelling behavior, drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility. Understanding species variation is essential for tailoring hydrogels for specific applications.

15) Nature:
'Nature' relates to the origin of hydrogels, as they can be synthetic or derived from natural sources. Natural hydrogels, such as those from polysaccharides or proteins, often exhibit superior biocompatibility, promoting their use in biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

16) India:
'India' indicates the geographical context of the author, Ravi Jadhav, as well as the potential place of research and application for hydrogels discussed in the article. The research landscape in India for pharmaceutical sciences can impact advancements in hydrogel technology and its applications.

17) Human body:
'Human body' pertains to the biological environment where hydrogels are applied, especially in medical therapies. The compatibility of hydrogels with body tissues is crucial for their use in drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue constructs, facilitating effective therapeutic responses.

18) Surrounding:
'Surrounding' indicates the environment or context in which hydrogels operate, affecting their performance. The surrounding physiological conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature, can influence swelling behavior, drug release rates, and the overall efficacy of hydrogel-based therapies.

19) Measurement:
'Measurement' refers to the techniques used to analyze and characterize hydrogels, including testing their swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and drug release profiles. Accurate measurement is essential for evaluating hydrogel performance and ensuring they meet the desired specifications for medical applications.

20) Similarity:
'Similarity' highlights the resemblance of hydrogels to natural tissues due to their high water content and biomechanical properties. This similarity enhances biocompatibility, allowing hydrogels to integrate well within the body, making them suitable for applications like drug delivery and regenerative medicine.

21) Substance:
'Substance' generally refers to the active materials, such as drugs or polymers, incorporated within hydrogels. The specific substances utilized can dictate the hydrogel's properties, therapeutic efficiency, and release mechanisms, impacting its effectiveness in various biomedical applications.

22) Composite:
'Composite' describes materials formed from combining two or more different substances, enhancing properties like strength or drug delivery efficiency. In hydrogels, creating composite structures may involve mixing hydrophilic polymers with other materials to achieve tailored characteristics for desired therapeutic applications.

23) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
'Transform' indicates the ability of hydrogels to change states or properties in response to environmental stimuli, such as temperature or pH. This transformation capability is useful in creating smart drug delivery systems, allowing controlled release and tailored treatments according to physiological conditions.

24) Fixation:
'Fixation' describes the process of securing hydrogels at specific sites in the body for effective drug delivery or tissue support. Proper fixation enhances the therapeutic effect of hydrogels, ensuring they remain in contact with target tissues to facilitate optimal drug therapeutic action.

25) Hygiene (Hygienic):
'Hygienic' pertains to the cleanliness and safety aspects of hydrogels used in medical and personal care applications. Maintaining hygienic conditions in hydrogel formulations is essential for patient safety and preventing infections, particularly in wound care and hygiene products.

26) Disease:
'Disease' refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body that may require treatment with hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. Hydrogels offer targeted therapies and controlled release mechanisms, addressing conditions such as wounds, infections, and other health-related concerns, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

27) Gelatin:
'Gelatin' is a specific type of natural polymer often used in making hydrogels. Its gelling properties contribute to the structure and function of hydrogels, providing a biocompatible medium for drug delivery and other applications in pharmaceuticals.

28) Repair:
'Repair' relates to the use of hydrogels in therapeutic applications aimed at healing or restoring tissues. Hydrogels can provide scaffolding for tissue regeneration or serve as drug delivery systems that enhance the healing process for various injuries and conditions.

29) Filling (Filled):
'Filled' indicates the process of incorporating drugs or other active substances into hydrogels. The method of filling hydrogels is crucial for achieving desired drug release profiles and therapeutic outcomes, allowing for controlled delivery of medications within biological systems.

30) Blood:
'Blood' refers to its connection with hydrogels used in biomedical applications, especially in wound healing. Hydrogels can facilitate healing processes by interacting with blood components and promoting clotting, which is crucial for efficient tissue repair and recovery.

31) Salt (Salty):
'Salt' may refer to ionic components affecting the properties of hydrogels, particularly in relation to swelling and drug release mechanisms. Salts can influence the charge interactions within hydrogels, impacting their performance in drug delivery systems.

32) Val:
'Vaal' might relate to the term 'Vaal' in a biological context indicating van der Waals forces, which can affect the interactions within hydrogel networks. Understanding these forces is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and efficacy of hydrogels in various applications.