Biobased hydrogels as functional platforms for biocatalysis, nutrition and medical applications

Biobased hydrogels are three-dimensional polymeric matrices with a unique high water-holding capacity, which are mainly obtained from polysaccharides and proteins. Such a variety of natural polymer structures offers a range of hydrogel products with interesting physicochemical and biological properties. Nowadays, these matrices are already used in many industrial and environmental fields, which is considered extremely important. Moreover, the literature on the subject is constantly expanding, especially in areas of scientific research. The main purpose of this article is to briefly review the current development of matrix composition and properties of hydrogels of natural origin, considered as functional platforms in three application areas, primarily in biocatalysis, nutrition and medicine. The description of individual issues in the present article is supported by examples of case studies described in our previously published research papers, as well as considered in current projects of our research group.