The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of the moist heat sterilization process and the presence of ions in a dispersive medium on the rheological and textural characteristics of various hydrogels. Gelling agents from different groups were tested: synthetic polymers carbomers, alkylated carbomers, polycarbophil, poly(methylvinylether/maleic anhydride) decadiene crosspolymer; semisynthetic polymers methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose; and natural polymers iota and lambda carrageenans, xanthan gum, tragacanth, and agar. Hydrogel samples were prepared in purified water and buffer solution as well containing 25 mM succinic acid and 400 mM sodium chloride with pH 6.2. Samples were autoclaved at 121 degrees C for 20 min. Their structural viscosity, hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness were evaluated before treatment, after treatment, and after 1 and 3 months of storage at 40 degrees C. From all tested samples, the hydrogel with the most suitable properties as a carrier for the model protein, recombinant human thrombin, will be chosen.