Hydrogel Backgrounds

    Hydrogels are a versatile material consisting of chains of molecules (called polymer chains) held together in such a way that they will not disintegrate on contact with water, and instead can absorb and hold significant quantities of water without leaking or breaking. This means that some saturated hydrogels can contain up to 90% water — a useful trait, especially in the fields of medicine and agriculture. In the context of this project, hydrogels are materials that can hold water and nutrients over an extended period of time in such a way that a plant can grow out of them.