Preparation of Self-Sustaining Hydrogels by Hydrothermal Gelation of Biomass-Derived Nanofibers

Abstract

Research in hydrothermal gelation of biomass-derived nanofiber dispersion is reviewed. In general, the gelation of biomass-derived nanofibers through conventional crosslinking or reprecipitation requires the use of additives. The preparation of a self-sustaining hydrogel from a biomass resource was achieved without any additives in hydrothermal gelation. Such additive-free hydrogels that can be shaped into diverse forms are promising for medical applications.