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In the biomedical field, thermogels have garnered significant attention. For instance, as drug delivery systems, thermogels can be injected as a liquid at body temperature and then form a gel upon exposure to physiological temperatures, enabling sustained drug release. Furthermore, thermogels can serve as scaffolds for tissue engineering, hemostatic materials, and carriers for targeted drug delivery.
With advancements in nanotechnology and smart materials, the applications of thermogels have further expanded. For example, by integrating magnetic nanoparticles or photosensitive materials, thermogels can be developed into multi-responsive materials, enhancing adaptability in complex environments. Additionally, thermogels are used as thickeners in the food industry and moisturizers in cosmetics, showcasing their versatility.
Despite their vast potential, thermogels face certain challenges in practical applications, such as inadequate mechanical properties, concerns about the biocompatibility of degradation products, and high production costs. Future research is directed towards developing novel polymers, functional modifications, and optimizing scalable manufacturing techniques.