Question 19 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Current Affairs (S&T)

Question

In which of the following are hydrogels used?
1. Controlled drug delivery in patients
2. Mobile air-conditioning systems
3. Preparation of industrial lubricants
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Focus on hydrogels' core material properties, primarily their high water absorbency.

*   **Medical Uses:** Leverage biocompatibility for applications like controlled drug delivery.
*   **Thermal Management:** Utilize water absorption and release for systems such as air-conditioning.
*   **Industrial Lubrication:** Capitalize on their smooth, slippery nature for various industrial applications.

Key Info: Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of water or biological fluids while maintaining structure. Their key characteristics include high biocompatibility, adjustable porosity, and responsive swelling-shrinkage to external stimuli.

## Medical Applications
Hydrogels are extensively used in controlled drug delivery due to their ability to encapsulate drugs and release them in a controlled manner in response to stimuli (pH, temperature, enzymes). They are used in contact lenses, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds.

## Thermal Management
Hydrogels' water content and thermal storage capability enable application in cooling systems, including advanced mobile and stationary air-conditioning units. Research focuses on using hydrogel coatings or inserts to absorb heat and release cooling moisture.

## Industrial Lubricants
Due to their inherent low friction, high water content, and elasticity, hydrogels exhibit excellent anti-friction and anti-wear properties. They are studied for use as water-based lubricants in machinery, biomedical devices (such as artificial joints), and precision instruments requiring gentle, non-abrasive lubricant layers.

## Recent Developments
Hydrogels are explored in flexible electronics, biosensor matrices, agriculture (soil moisture retention), and even as superabsorbent materials in hygiene products. Their chemical composition allows functionalization to further tailor physical and chemical responses for specific industrial and medical applications.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 3 only

In which of the following are hydrogels used? Controlled drug delivery in patients Mobile air-conditioning systems Preparation of industrial lubricants Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In which of the following are hydrogels used?

Controlled drug delivery in patients

Mobile air-conditioning systems

Preparation of industrial lubricants

Select the correct answer using the code given below: