Abstract
Biocompatible cryogels are substances with a very high prospect for obtaining functional materials. The macroporous structure is of great importance for the use of cryogels as important materials in medicine, catalysis and some areas of biotechnology. In this review, the authors focused on methods for producing cryogels based on biopolymers, interpolyelectrolyte complexes of biopolymers and composite cryogels based on them. First, a brief theoretical information on the properties of cryogels and methods for producing cryogels based on biopolymers will be considered. The second part of the review contains the latest achievements in the production of cryogel based on biopolymer complexes and composite cryogels. The features of cryogenic synthesis and factors affecting the required final properties of cryogenic materials are considered. In the third part of the review, the fields of application of biocompatible cryogels in oil and gas fields of the type under consideration in biotechnology, catalysis and medicine are studied. In biotechnology, cryogenic materials are used to immobilize molecules and biological cells, as a basis for cell growth and as chromatographic materials for cell separation. In catalysis, cryogenic materials are used as a matrix for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles and enzymes. Biocompatible cryogels and composites based on them are widely used in medicine to restore bone and cartilage tissue, as well as for the proper transfer of drugs, ensuring the release of drugs in the body. The use of cryotropic polymer compositions with controlled hydrophobic properties as a reinforcing layer for creating hydro barrier screens in oil and gas fields is promising.