Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a new biodegradable hydrogel from bioplastics, potentially revolutionizing wound recovery and other medical applications. Researchers at Australia's University of Queensland have transformed brittle, biodegradable bioplastic PHB into a water-absorbing hydrogel using gamma radiation and polymer grafting. Newly developed lignin-based hydrogel proves to be a promising tool for wound healing and controlled drug release, according to a new study.