A microspheric system: Hemicellulose-based hydrogels

Hydrogel microspheres were prepared from the major softwood hemicellulose polysaccharide acetylated galactoglucomannan. The dry and swollen morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The microspheres were loaded with either a small hydrophilic substance ( caffeine) or a macromolecular model protein ( bovine serum albumin) and afforded diffusion controlled release in vitro. Statistical multivariate analysis was used to systematically determine the influence and significance of the hydrogel composition, the crosslinking density, and the dimensions of the incorporated substance on the microsphere size and release rate.