Synthesis and characterisation of glutaraldehyde cross-linked κ-carrageenan-gelatin hydrogel

Abstract

Hydrogels are three dimensional hydrophilic networks composed of either homopolymeric or heteropolymeric chains, which have the ability to absorb high amount of water and drugs within its polymeric structure without itself getting dissolved in water. A Carrageenan-Gelatin hydrogel was prepared by dissolution of the dry carrageenan and gelatin powder in distilled water followed by heating and stirring until a homogenous solution was obtained. The solution was solidified and dried at room temperature to a constant weight. The film was cross-linked by immersing in 5% glutaraldehyde solution in presence of 0.1N HCl and was cured at 1100C for 25 minutes and air dried at room temperature to a constant weight. The swelling index (1801.385 ± 94.31%) of the obtained hydrogel indicated that carrageenan was polymerized. The physical characterization of hyudrogel revealed that gel fraction was 53.99 ± 0.14%, water absorption percent was 1701.385 ± 94.31% and equilibrium water content was 94.38 ± 0.27%. It was also found that the gel do not permit bacteria to penetrate though it. The obtained hydrogels have the potential for biomedical application as vehicle.