THERMOREACTIVE HYDROGELS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

Thermoreactive hydrogels (TRHs) are formed in aqueous solutions by pol ymers with lower critical solution temperature (LCST). When exposed to temperatures near its LCST, a TRH loses water, shrinks, and collapses . This process is reversible: on cooling the solution, the TRH swells and regains its initial size. Examples of the use of this property inc lude concentration of suspensions or protein solutions and immobilizat ion of biocatalysts. In addition, TRHs serve as components of drug del ivery systems and biosensors.