Cellulose/chondroitin Sulfate Hydrogels: Synthesis, Drug Loading/release Properties and Biocompatibility

The present study investigates some hydrogels, based on natural, biodegradable and biocompatible polysaccharides, such as cellulose (C) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), as sustained release carriers, and evaluates their biocompatibility. Investigations were performed on cellulose/chondroitin sulfate (C/CS) hydrogels, in different mixing ratios. Swelling and drug delivery studies were conducted in a phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.4) that simulates the pH of the intestinal fluid, at 37 °C. Natural-based hydrogels were evaluated for the release of paracetamol and theophylline. The release profiles of the drugs from C/CS hydrogels depend on the CS content: for paracetamol, a decrease of the percent released and, for theophylline, a percentual increase with the increase of the CS content. The results showed good biocompatibility with the tested formulations.