Hydrogels and Other Gel Materials Great for Greener Future

Hydrogels and other similar materials are the best way to ensure a greener future, one of the leading Indian scientists told the Indian Science Congress on Friday. "Gels like hydrogels which have self-assembling properties can be used to clear oil spills and for waste water treatment to ensure a greener future," said P.K.Das of the department of biological chemistry of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science here.

Highlighting the use of gels, particularly hydrogels which can effectively extract oil from the water and thereby clean it, Das said they could be "remedies" for basic pollution problems.

"Waste water from industries which have harmful dyes can be cleaned for further use by use of these gels, which can get rid of the dyes and other pollutants. Hydrogel can be remedies for pollution related problems," said Das.

According to the scientist, these gels can be used for tissue engineering in case of cell transplants etc.

"These can have medical applications as well, especially in tissue engineering. So many articles of daily use like contact lenses have hydrogels in them. In India further research needs to be done for their application widely," said Das.

Source-IANS