Hydrogels for the controlled release of bioactive molecules

Looking to ourselves and the surrounding we discover that water is basic for life. Just think, every day, how much difference a simple sip makes! Nature knows how to conserve it; there are in fact chemical structures capable of retaining large quantities releasing it when needed. We find them in plants: mucilage. A hydrogel is that structure formed by chains of molecules – such as mucilage – that incorporate a large amount of water. But can there be room for more? Molecules against cancer or bacterial infections are carried along with water, acting as a reserve against resistant or inaccessible cells.