Cellulose-based biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel: A sustainable approach for water conservation and plant growth in agriculture.

Innovative deficit irrigation technologies are imperative to overcome challenges posed to crop growth/yield and agriculture sustainability due to water scarcity in arid and semiarid regions. In the current study, superabsorbent biodegradable hydrogel based on carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (NaCMC) and hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC) has been developed using citric acid (CA) as a crosslinker. The hydrogel has demonstrated excellent water absorption, retention, and release properties.

Chemical, physical, and biological stimuli-responsive nanogels for biomedical applications (mechanisms, concepts, and advancements): A review.

The development of nanotechnology has influenced the advancements in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. The design and formulation of stimuli-responsive nano-drug delivery systems, also called smart drug delivery systems, have attracted significant research worldwide and have been seen as a breakthrough in nanomedicines. The ability of these nanocarriers to respond to external and internal stimuli, such as pH, temperature, redox, electric and magnetic fields, enzymes, etc.