Curcumin-Loaded pH-Sensitive Biopolymer Hydrogels: Fabrication, Characterization, and Release Properties

Bioactive substance delivery vehicles prepared with natural biopolymers are of interest because of their favorable functional properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The Mesona chinensis polysaccharide (MCP)-chitosan (CH) polyelectrolyte composite hydrogels were fabricated by electrostatic interaction. The effects of CH concentrations on the physicochemical properties of MCP-CH hydrogels were investigated, and the delivery capacity of curcumin was evaluated. Results exhibited that the elasticity, hardness, water-holding capacity, and thermostability of MCP-CH hydrogels were improved with the increase of CH concentration. Hydrogels with a high CH content have a more pronounced honeycomb structure. Moreover, MCPCH hydrogels have a good encapsulation effect on curcumin and can be enhanced by increasing the concentration of CH. In vitro curcumin release showed that MCP-CH hydrogels prolong the release of curcumin in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. Therefore, MCP-CH hydrogels have great potential as effective hydrophobic bioactive substance delivery vehicles in the delivery system.

Automated summary

Bioactive substance delivery vehicles prepared with natural biopolymers have attracted attention due to their favorable properties and biocompatibility. In this study, Mesona chinensis polysaccharide-chitosan composite hydrogels were fabricated through electrostatic interaction. It was found that the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels improved with an increase in chitosan concentration. The hydrogels showed good encapsulation of curcumin and prolonged its release in a simulated gastrointestinal environment.