Q. In which of the following are hydrogels used?
1. Controlled drug delivery in patients
2. Mobile air-conditioning systems
3. Preparation of industrial lubricants
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: (a) 1 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
The correct answer is (a) 1 only. (UPSC Final Answer)
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Controlled drug‐delivery in patients – Hydrogels are cross‐linked, water‐swollen polymer networks whose mesh size and swelling behaviour can be tuned. By embedding drugs in the gel matrix (or covalently attaching them) one can achieve slow, diffusion‐controlled release. Hence hydrogels are widely used as controlled‐release drug carriers.
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Mobile air‐conditioning systems – Conventional mobile (automotive) air‐conditioning uses vapour‐compression cycles with refrigerants, not water‐swollen polymer gels. While hydrogels find R&D in evaporative cooling pads for small‐scale or passive cooling, they are not a standard component in vehicular air‐conditioning systems.
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Industrial lubricants – Industrial lubricants must perform under high pressure and shear, and are almost invariably oil‐based or use specially formulated synthetic oils or greases. Hydrogels, being primarily water, cannot provide the film strength, shear stability or water‐exclusion properties required of industrial lubricants.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.