Zeolite-loaded hydrogels for controlled and sustained drug delivery: a smart hybrid system

Abstract The development of smart materials for controlled drug delivery has attracted considerable scientific interest in recent years. Among these materials, hydrogel-based systems have emerged as promising drug carriers owing to their characteristic features such as biocompatibility, hydrophilicity and mechanical flexibility. Despite these advantages, limitations such as poor drug retention and stability can compromise their long-term therapeutic effectiveness. One approach to overcome these challenges involves the incorporation of zeolites into hydrogels network, combining the moisture-rich matrix of hydrogels with the high adsorption capacity and ion-exchange properties of zeolites. This synergistic incorporation yields smart systems capable of achieving controlled and sustained release of the active components, while simultaneously enhancing the overall stability and biological performance. Though research on zeolite-incorporated hydrogels remains in its early stages, these multifunctional systems exhibit strong potential for future biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.