Recent advances in magnetic hydrogels

Abstract Smart hydrogels that respond to magnetic fields have attracted increasing interest in recent years. This is as a result of their numerous potential applications such as tunable delivery vehicles, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, hyperthermal therapy agents, etc. In this review, we summarize the methods for preparing magnetic hydrogels. Then we give an overview of magnetic hydrogels with various applications. Finally, the current limitations in the preparation and application of magnetic hydrogels are discussed and perspectives will be proposed for the next generation of hydrogels. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry