Synthesis and Properties of Chitosan- and Pectin-Based Hydrogels

Hydrogels have been prepared by mixing chitosan and pectin solutions, as well as solutions of their modified derivatives, in aqueous media at room temperature. The gels are obtained within a time period from several seconds to half an hour or more, depending on the process conditions. The hydrogels are formed due to both the covalent bonding between functional groups and the formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes via the interaction between ammonium groups of chitosan and carboxylate groups of pectin. Conditions have been determined for the hydrogel formation throughout the solution volume without liquid phase separation. The swelling of lyophilized hydrogels has been studied as depending on the ionic strength and pH of aqueous media. The feasibility of prolonged drug release from the developed polymer matrix has been shown by the example of cytostatics, namely, mitomycin C and cisplatin.