ABSTRACT
Chitosan/DNA blend hydrogel (CDB) and chitosan/pectin blend hydrogel (CPB) were synthesized using an emulsion (oil-in-water) technique for the release of methylene blue (model molecule). Both hydrogels were characterized by swelling assays, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after the methylene blue (MB) loading. Higher swelling degrees were determined for both hydrogels in simulated gastric fluid. FT-IR spectra inferred absorption peak changes and shifts after MB loading. The TGA results confirmed changes in the polymer network degradation. The SEM images indicated low porosities on the hydrogel surfaces, with deformed structure of the CPB. Smoother and more uniform surfaces were noticed on the CDB chain after MB loading. Higher MB adsorption capacities were determined at lower initial hydrogel masses and higher initial dye concentrations. The MB adsorption mechanisms on the hydrogel networks were described by the monolayer and multilayer formation. The MB release from hydrogels was studied in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, at 25 °C and 37 °C, with each process taking place at roughly 6 h. Higher release rates were determined in simulated gastric fluid at 25 °C. The release kinetics of MB in chitosan/DNA and chitosan/pectin matrices follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic mechanism.
ABSTRACT
Arabic gum-based composite hydrogels reinforced with eucalyptus and pinus residues were synthesized via free-radical reaction aiming to controlled phosphorus release. All hydrogels were characterized by swelling kinetics (SK), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical assays (MA). The water and solute transports through the hydrophilic three-dimensional networks of the hydrogels occur preferably by diffusion processes and macromolecular relaxation. Hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose fibers contained in eucalyptus and pinus residues affected the crosslinking density, crystalline structure, and water/solute diffusion due to reduction of free hydroxyl and amine groups in the hydrogel networks. Hence, the eucalyptus and pinus residues improved the mechanical and thermal resistances of the composite hydrogels. Finally, the Arabic gum-based hydrogel and Arabic gum-based composite hydrogels reinforced with eucalyptus and pinus residues demonstrated to be excellent alternatives for the controlled phosphorus release in agricultural nutrient-poor soils.
