Hydrogels Based on Alginates and Carboxymethyl Cellulose with Modulated Drug Release—An Experimental and Theoretical Study

Abstract

New hydrogels films crosslinked with epichlorohydrin were prepared based on alginates and carboxymethyl cellulose with properties that recommend them as potential drug delivery systems (e.g., biocompatibility, low toxicity, non-immunogenicity, hemostatic activity and the ability to absorb large amounts of water). The characterization of their structural, morphological, swelling capacity, loading/release and drug efficiency traits proved that these new hydrogels are promising materials for controlled drug delivery systems. Further, a new theoretical model, in the framework of Scale Relativity Theory, was built with to offer insights on the release process at the microscopic level and to simplify the analysis of the release process.