In the project polymer composite hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol, with laboratory-synthesized iron oxides or bee pollen as fillers, will be prepared and characterized. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. All components for the preparation of hydrogels are non-toxic, and crosslinking will be carried out by the physical method of freezing and thawing. The hydrogels will be characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR, TGA, DSC, EIS and SEM techniques, and the degree of swelling, mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity will be tested. The project aims to develop new materials, i.e. biocompatible and non-toxic polymer composite hydrogels of improved and functional characteristics, with potential applications in medicine and cosmetics.