Recent Advances in the Preparation Methods, Response Mechanisms, and Applications of Smart Hydrogels

ZHANG Tingting; MENG Lingwei; WANG Changyuan; YAO Di

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.17.014

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (17) : 126-137. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.17.014

Advanced Materials

Recent Advances in the Preparation Methods, Response Mechanisms, and Applications of Smart Hydrogels

ZHANG Tingting¹, MENG Lingwei^1,2,*, WANG Changyuan^1,3,*, YAO Di^1,2

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Abstract

The work aims to summarize the structural characteristics, substrate types, preparation methods, and response mechanisms of smart responsive hydrogels, and provide a detailed overview of recent research progress regarding their applications in fresh food packaging and other fields. The preparation methods, response mechanisms, and controlled-release technologies of smart hydrogels were introduced. Additionally, the properties of hydrogels with different cross-linking methods were summarized and the applications of hydrogels with various response types in fresh food packaging were systematically categorized. As an emerging packaging material, smart responsive hydrogels possess a unique three-dimensional network structure, excellent environmental responsiveness and good biocompatibility. Combined with component-controlled release technology, the hydrogel is capable of achieving the controlled release of antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, and flavor compounds in response to spoilage signals such as pH, temperature, or enzymatic activity. This provides an innovative strategy for the precise quality regulation of perishable foods, demonstrating substantial application potential in the field of food packaging.

Key words

smart hydrogels / response types / active packaging / quality monitoring

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ZHANG Tingting, MENG Lingwei, WANG Changyuan, YAO Di. Recent Advances in the Preparation Methods, Response Mechanisms, and Applications of Smart Hydrogels[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(17): 126-137 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.17.014

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