Editing Polyelectrolyte (section)

== Applications ==

Polyelectrolytes have many applications, mostly related to modifying flow and stability properties of aqueous solutions and [[gel]]s. For instance, they can be used to destabilize a [[colloidal suspension]] and to initiate [[flocculation]] (precipitation). They can also be used to impart a [[surface charge]] to neutral particles, enabling them to be dispersed in aqueous solution. They are thus often used as [[Thickening agent|thickeners]], [[emulsifier]]s, [[Conditioner (chemistry)|conditioners]], [[clarifying agent]]s, and even [[Drag (physics)|drag]] reducers. They are used in [[water treatment]] and for [[Petroleum extraction|oil recovery]]. Many [[soap]]s, [[shampoo]]s, and [[cosmetics]] incorporate polyelectrolytes. Furthermore, they are added to many foods and to [[concrete]] mixtures ([[superplasticizer]]). Some of the polyelectrolytes that appear on food labels are [[pectin]], [[carrageenan]], [[alginate]]s, and [[carboxymethyl cellulose]]. All but the last are of natural origin. Finally, they are used in various materials, including [[cement]].

Because some of them are water-soluble, they are also investigated for biochemical and medical applications. There is currently much research on using [[biocompatible]] polyelectrolytes for [[implant (medicine)|implant]] coatings, controlled drug release, and other applications. Thus, recently, the biocompatible and biodegradable macroporous material composed of polyelectrolyte complex was described, where the material exhibited excellent proliferation of mammalian cells<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/mabi.201200023 |title = Oxidized Dextran as Crosslinker for Chitosan Cryogel Scaffolds and Formation of Polyelectrolyte Complexes between Chitosan and Gelatin| journal = Macromolecular Bioscience |volume = 12| issue = 8 |pages = 1090–9 |year = 2012| last1 = Berillo |first1 = D. |last2 = Elowsson |first2 = L. |last3 = Kirsebom |first3 = H. |pmid = 22674878 |doi-access = free}}</ref> and muscle like soft actuators.