Used extensively in the production of hydrogels due to its biocompatibility and hydrophilic nature, making it suitable for medical applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds. Its ability to form stable, water-soluble polymers is leveraged in coatings and adhesives, providing enhanced performance in various industrial applications. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of responsive polymers for smart materials, which can adapt to environmental changes like pH or temperature. Its use in surface modification improves the antifouling properties of materials, making it valuable in marine and biomedical devices. It is also utilized in the cosmetics industry to enhance product stability and performance properties.