Polymer cryogels are very promising for producing functional materials. Their porous structure makes them indispensable for some areas of medicine, catalysis, and biotechnology. In this review we focused on methods for producing cryogels based on biopolymers, interpolyelectrolyte complexes of biopolymers, and composite cryogels based on them. First, the properties of cryogels and brief theoretical information about the production of cryogels based on biopolymers were considered. The second section summarizes the latest advances in the production of cryogels based on complexes of biopolymers and composite cryogels. The features of the synthesis and the factors affecting the final properties of materials were considered. In the final part the fields of application of cryogels of the considered types in biotechnology, catalysis and medicine were studied in detail. In biotechnology cryogels are used to immobilize molecules and cells, as a basis for cell growth, and as chromatographic materials for cell separation. In catalysis cryogels are used as a matrix for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles, as well as for the immobilization of enzymes. Biocompatible cryogels and their composites are widely used in medicine for bone and cartilage tissue regeneration, drug delivery, providing a long-term profile of drug release in the body.

Biocompatible cryogels are substances with a very high prospect for obtaining functional materials. The macroporous structure is of great importance for the use of cryogels as important materials in medicine, catalysis and some areas of biotechnology. In this review, the authors focused on methods for producing cryogels based on biopolymers, interpolyelectrolyte complexes of biopolymers and composite cryogels based on them. First, a brief theoretical information on the properties of cryogels and methods for producing cryogels based on biopolymers will be considered. The second part of the review contains the latest achievements in the production of cryogel based on biopolymer complexes and composite cryogels. The features of cryogenic synthesis and factors affecting the required final properties of cryogenic materials are considered. In the third part of the review, the fields of application of biocompatible cryogels in oil and gas fields of the type under consideration in biotechnology, catalysis and medicine are studied. In biotechnology, cryogenic materials are used to immobilize molecules and biological cells, as a basis for cell growth and as chromatographic materials for cell separation. In catalysis, cryogenic materials are used as a matrix for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles and enzymes. Biocompatible cryogels and composites based on them are widely used in medicine to restore bone and cartilage tissue, as well as for the proper transfer of drugs, ensuring the release of drugs in the body. The use of cryotropic polymer compositions with controlled hydrophobic properties as a reinforcing layer for creating hydro barrier screens in oil and gas fields is promising.