The influence of selected polymers on the rheological properties of hydrogels with chitosan applied on the skin

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose on the rheological properties of hydrogels applied to skin on chitosan in the presence of the additives propylene glycol and glycerol. Rheological studies showed that the tested gels are non-newtonian systems, and have thixotropic properties. Substrates made of methylcellulose and chitosan are characterised by higher shear values than those obtained with carboxymethylcellulose. The addition of polymers had a positive influence on the dispersion of hydrogels, and the addition of excipients increased firmness, consistency and cohesiveness of the gels. Larger increases were observed with the addition of 10% of glycol propylene and glycerol contents for methylcellulose and of 20% of carboxymethylcellulose.