Scientists make better, greener hydrogels with ultrasound
May 8, 2025 – Researchers from Canada’s McGill University, in collaboration with École Polytechnique de Montréal, have developed a new way to make hydrogels using ultrasound. A hydrogel is a superabsorbent gel made of natural or synthetic polymers. Up to 99.5 percent water by volume is held within the polymer network of the gel. They are widely used in wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, soft robotics, soft contact lenses and more.
According to McGill researchers, the new method enables faster, cleaner and more sustainable production of hydrogels. And they are better. The hydrogels made this way are stronger, more flexible and, according to the researchers, are highly resistant to freezing and drying.
