Synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels based on carboxymethyl cellulose and agar: Agar for smart swelling and controllable delivery

Abstract

The current study described a thorough analysis of the adsorption characteristics of a hydrogel that was chemically connected and built on agar and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). With regard to swelling %, the Agar-Agar/ECH/CMC hydrogel was created under ideal conditions. In order to achieve the highest percentage of swelling, different response parameters were changed. The structure and morphology of the hydrogels were characterized by FT-IR spectroscope, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that the CMC contributed to the enhanced size of pore, whereas Agar-Agar as a strong backbone in the hydrogel to support it for keeping its appearance. Their equilibrium swelling ratio in distilled water and different physiological fluids were evaluated, indicating the maximum swelling ratio in water reached an exciting level of 1000 as the hydrogels still keeping a steady appearance. Moreover, the hydrogels exhibited smart swelling and shrinking in NaCl or CaCl2 aqueous solution, as well as the release behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA) that could be controlled by changing CMC content. The Agar-Agar -based hydrogels are promising for the applications in the biomaterials area.