Physicochemical and rheological properties of agarose/xylans composite hydrogel materials

Abstract

Agarose (AG)/Xylans [beech (BX) and oat spelt (OSX)] composite hydrogels were prepared by effortless mixing method, using water as solvent. The gelling behavior of the composite hydrogels was investigated by a rheometer fitted with a temperature control facility. Improved gelling properties were observed as a result of incorporation of BX and OSX into the appropriate native aqueous agarose solution. A significant increase in the viscosity and elastic modulus of the parent AG was found with incorporation of xylans. The gelling and melting points of the mixtures resembled that of pure agarose gel, except for 90% xylan concentration. A significant increase in swelling ability of the parent AG was found with incorporation of xylans, while syneresis was reduced on addition of xylans. The physicochemical and rheological properties of seaweed polysaccharide agarose were modified significantly after blending with xylans, allowing their use in new applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:978–988, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers