Protein and Homopoly(amino acid)-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Synthesis and Applications

The use of super-swelling polymers is steadily increasing. With the recent authorization of the superabsorbents in food packaging by the Food and Drug Administration، the demand may soon take off in world market. However، the increase in prices of petroleum products in recent years may be a drawback for these acrylic-based materials. Thus، there is now a need to develop natural-based super-swelling hydrogels which are biodegradable and biocompatible. This review is aimed to highlight research and trends in protein and homopoly (amino acid) -based super-swelling hydrogels. The synthesis، properties and applications of such hydrogels are reviewed.