UPSC – CSE Prelims 2024
MEDIUM
S&T – HEALTH
1. In which of the following are hydrogels used?
- Controlled drug delivery in patients
- Mobile air-conditioning systems
- Preparation of industrial lubricants
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (d)
Hydrogel
- It is a three-dimensional network porous structure formed by self-assembly of small or macromolecular polymers.
- It is a biphasic material, a mixture of porous, permeable solids and at least 10% by weight or volume of interstitial fluid composed completely or mainly by water.
Hydrogel for drug delivery:
- Injectable hydrogels can be used to carry drugs or cells for applications in tissue regeneration or 3D bioprinting.
- Hydrogels—used in contact lenses, wound dressings, and diapers—could cool high-power electronics using moisture absorbed from the air.
Hydogels for air-conditioning:
- Air conditioning hasn’t changed much over the past century – most options are energy hungry and many are noisy and pretty unsightly.
- But one company has taken inspiration from nature to create an innovative alternative that doesn’t require electricity and in theory isn’t even visible.
- Using a substance called hydrogel, experts have created walls that absorb moisture to ‘sweat’ – like human skin – and cool the interior of a building.
Hydrogel as lubricant:
- Hydrogels are polymers, which when bonded to surfaces and wetted, become very effective lubricants.
- Hydrogels are biocompatible and could make very effective endoscopic lubricants.
DIFFICULT
S&T – HEALTH
2. Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?
(a) Nitric oxide
(b) Nitrous oxide
(c) Nitrogen dioxide
(d) Nitrogen pentoxide
Ans. (a)
Nitric oxide (NO) has been used for decades in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a vasodilator, improving gas exchange in the lungs and allowing the blood to better oxygenate.
Nitrous oxide is a gas used for anesthesia and pain relief.
Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic gas.
Nitrogen pentoxide is a chemical compound.