Medically-relevant materials are used to diagnose and treat various medical disorders, as well as to determine exposure of personnel to biological threats. Such materials range from biodegradable polymers to hydrogels and nanoparticle-derived constructs. PSI's technology base in this area includes electrogels for controlled drug delivery, superabsorbent polymers for water harvesting and purification, metallic nanoparticle assemblies for bioassays, and small biomimetic compounds for molecular recognition. These materials are typically integrated within PSI-designed systems such as diagnostic assays and reagent delivery systems.