“…Hydrogels are 3D polymeric networks created through physical or chemical crosslinks that swell in water and can be synthesized from synthetic and natural polymers. 1,2 They provide unrivalled adaptability in terms of mechanical characteristics, swelling behavior, and biocompatibility. These qualities have led to their use in a wide range of applications, including tissue engineering, since the mechanical properties of hydrogels can be changed to fit a wide range of tissues, 3 drug delivery, 4 and filtration, 5,6 which use the physical and chemical restrictions of the mesh to encapsulate and regulate the release of a drug, nanoparticle, or other molecule.…”