ABSTRACT
Hydrogels are water-swollen matrices that are generally formed from hydrophilic polymers that have been chemically or physically crosslinked to prevent dissolution. Perhaps the most recognizable hydrogel material is the so contact lens. Hydrogels are appropriate for this application because they (1) generally exhibit excellent biocompatibility, (2) allow for transport of molecules (in this case primarily gases) needed for tissue function and survival, and (3) possess appropriate mechanical properties for contact with so tissue. Most synthetic hydrogel materials are relatively bioinert, resisting protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Modication of bioinert hydrogels with bioactive sequences can generate materials with biological functionalities such as biospecic cell adhesion, cell signaling, and enzymatic reactivity.
