Term: Fluoropolymer

Category: Polymers

Definition: Hydrophilic polymers have polar functional groups like hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), amides (-NH2), or ethers (-O-), and will therefore interact favourably with polar solvents (such as water) through hydrogen bonding. In the presence of water, hydrophilic polymers will either expand their own volume (swelling) or actually dissolve; both processes result in the formation of a layer of hydrated cells (known as a hydrogel) surrounding the polymer. Hydrophilic polymers are extremely useful for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications because they provide good lubricating properties, are compatible with biological systems, and allow controlled interaction between the polymer and biological fluids.

Structure: Polymer backbone containing hydrophilic functional groups (e.g., –OH, –COOH, –CONH–, –O–)

Source: Can be natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic (depending on polymer type)

Common Uses: 

• Hydrophilic polymers are widely used in biomedical applications such as hydrogels for wound dressings and tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems for controlled release. 
• Surface coatings on medical devices (e.g., catheters and guidewires) to improve lubricity, reduce friction, and enhance biocompatibility and hemocompatibility.

Examples of Hydrophilic Polymers:

• Chitosan
• Polyacrylamide (PAM)
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
• Polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP
• Zwitterionic monomers, including sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and carboxybetaine methacrylate (CBMA)
• Etc.

Related Content and Resources: 

Hydrophilic Coating Polymers and Chemistries: Complete Guide