Stimuli‐Responsive Hybrid Microgels for a Sustainable Future: A Comprehensive Review of Classification, Synthesis, and Multifaceted Applications

Stimuli‐Responsive Hybrid Microgels for a Sustainable Future: A Comprehensive Review of Classification, Synthesis, and Multifaceted Applications Meenambiga Setti Sudharsan Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies Chennai India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5445-525X M. Praveen Kumar Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies Chennai India V. Gokul Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies Chennai India Vivek Pazhamalai Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies Chennai India N. M. Hariharan Department of Biotechnology Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology Chennai India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5871-3113 Muthupandian Saravanan Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences University of Tabuk Tabuk Saudi Arabia Prince Fahad bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research University of Tabuk Tabuk Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT

Recently, there has been an increase, in investigating novel materials to support renewable energy and tackle environmental issues due to the pressing demand, for sustainable solutions. Hybrid microgels possess unique characteristics that allow for tailoring to suit needs, in environmental applications and energy harvesting making them a highly promising group of materials. Microgel, nanogel, microsphere, and macrogel are the terms often used alternately to refer to a range of particles that vary significantly in their structure, physicochemical characteristics, manufacturing process and applications. Several investigations have been conducted to identify the distinct uses of the various gel types that are classified under nano/micro particle category. This review primarily focuses the discussion, around microgel particles that are colloidal in size, ability to alter its shape in response to external factors due to polymerization processes they undergo during production, and its classification, synthesis as well. A selected range of applications and the economic implications of expanding microgel production are discussed. Applications including enhanced oil recovery, biomaterials, and catalysis are covered, along with a brief description of the synthesis and characteristics of microgel particles. The advancements in hybrid microgels are now considered as an essential element in the creation of green technology, providing scalable and sustainable solutions for energy management, biomedical applications and environmental remediation.
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