Synthesis and characterization of curdlan/β-cyclodextrin composite hydrogels for sustained-release

Curdlan/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) composite hydrogels were prepared by using epichlorohydrin (ECH) and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) as cross-linkers respectively. The results showed that a macromolecular network structure was formed. This composite hydrogels showed certain temperature sensitivity, regular swelling ratio and unique mechanical property. The addition of β-CD improved the swelling property of hydrogels in neutral aqueous solution, showing completely opposite results to the cellulose/β-CD hydrogels. This composite hydrogel had certain temperature sensitivity and could sustained-release sodium salicylate for more than 8 hours. The curdlan/β-CD hydrogels, which were cross-linked by natural polymers, had a unique application prospect in the medicine.