ABSTRACT
Hydrogels are chemically or physically cross-linked polymeric networks that have the ability to store water and other components in their structure. Due to their high biocompatibility and low toxicity, hydrogels play an important role in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and agricultural areas, among others. The properties of these materials depend mainly on factors such as chemical composition and size. In the first case, materials sensitive to physical stimuli, such as temperature, or chemical stimuli, such as pH, among others, have been obtained. This chapter focuses on the description of the physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological characteristics of hydrogels and composite hydrogels with thermal responsiveness, including those with dual thermo-, pH-, or another-responsiveness; as well as its potential application in the biomedical field, such as in tissue repair, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. In addition, biotechnological applications, sensors, and food packaging are also addressed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of dual-responsive temperature-sensitive hydrogels and composite hydrogels are described.
