UPSC CSE Prelims
Biomaterials and Biomedical Applications Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: ✅ 1 Only (Option A)

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Their biocompatibility and controlled swelling properties make them highly useful in medical applications.

✅ Statement I is Correct: Hydrogels are widely used in controlled drug delivery because they can absorb water and release medicines gradually at a desired rate.

❌ Statement II is Incorrect: Mobile air-conditioning systems use refrigerants, compressors, and heat exchangers. Hydrogels are not standard components in these cooling systems.

❌ Statement III is Incorrect: Industrial lubricants are generally oil-based or synthetic formulations. Hydrogels do not possess the required lubrication properties for industrial use.

Short Notes: Hydrogels

• Hydrogels are water-absorbing polymer networks capable of holding large amounts of water.

• They can contain up to 90–99% water while maintaining their structure.

• Widely used in controlled drug delivery systems.

• Used in contact lenses, wound dressings, and tissue engineering.

• Most hydrogels are biocompatible and non-toxic.

• They respond to changes in pH, temperature, and moisture.

• Hydrogels are important materials in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine.

Detailed Explanation:

Bacteria (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis) produce toxins that kill specific insects and are widely used as biopesticides.

Fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae) infect and kill pests through parasitism.

Flowering plants (e.g., Chrysanthemum producing pyrethrin, Neem with azadirachtin) contain natural insecticidal compounds used as biopesticides.

All three organism types are employed as biopesticides.