Four hydrophilic polymers in the form of beads - chitosan, alginate, alginate/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and chitosan-coated alginate - were used as supports for lipase immobilisation. Hydrogel beads were characterised by bead-size-distribution estimation, surface morphology studies, and polymer interactions assessment. Matrix performances - loading efficiency, immobilisation yield, enzyme activi...

Interactions between immobilized cell populations and polymer matrixes in the form of hydrogel within micro-beads have complex restrictive action on cell growth dynamics. The forces generated by cell growth and interactions between solvent, network parts and cells influenced this process. It induces structural changes of hydrogel which has the feedback action on cell growth. Rheological respons...

Alginate and algal-biomass (Laminaria digitata) beads were prepared by homogeneous Ca ionotropic gelation. In addition, glutaraldehyde-crosslinked poly (ethyleneimine) (PEI) was incorporated into algal beads. The three sorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX): the sorption occurs in the whole mass of the sorbents. Sorp...

In this study, a novel pH/temperature sensitive hydrogel bead with core-shelled structure, composed of calcium alginate (Ca-alginate) and poly(N-acryloylglycine) (PAG), was prepared using as a drug delivery system. The equilibrium swelling has indicated the distinct sensitivities of the beads to pH value and temperature. In pH = 7.4 phosphate buffer solution (PBS), the cumulative release amount...

An improved method for evaluating drug release behaviour of drug-eluting embolization beads (DEBs) was developed utilizing an open-loop flow-through system, in which the beads were packed into an occlusive mass within the system and extracted with a flowing elution medium over time. Glass beads were introduced into the beads mass in order to ensure laminar flow, reduce dead volume and improve r...

Cell microencapsulation in alginate hydrogel has shown interesting applications in regenerative medicine and the biomedical field through implantation of encapsulated tissue or for bioartificial organ development. Although alginate solution is known to have low antiviral activity, the same property regarding alginate gel has not yet been studied. The aim of this work is to investigate the poten...

We present experiments and theory relating to transpiration through unrestrained hydrogel beads in contact with a water reservoir below air above. Experimentally, we find that saturated shrink until steady state is reached which flows continuously the beads. The size of bead sensitive evaporation rate, depends on relative humidity speed surrounding air, pressure head imposed by fluid reservoir....