Animal Fiber-Based Hydrogels and Aerogels for Biomedical Applications

Animal fiber-derived hydrogels and aerogels have emerged as innovative and versatile biomaterials in biomedical science. These are derived from natural materials such as collagen, gelatin, silk fibroin, keratin, and chitosan. They are highly biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioactive. Hydrogels, with their high water content and extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking characteristics, are the best choice for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. Because of their ultralightweight, porous microstructure, aerogels offer superior mechanical support and controlled release functions in tissue engineering and implantable devices. This chapter gives an in-depth overview of the extraction, fabrication, structural characterization, and biomedical applications of such materials. It also discusses current issues and emerging trends, such as smart biomaterials and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, positioning animal fiber-derived hydrogels and aerogels as a key contributor to next-generation regenerative medicine.