Hydrogels based on ionically and covalently crosslinked alginates

In the presented research sodium alginate modified by ionic and covalent crosslinking in the form of hydrogel beads was examined. In the first step, sodium alginate was ionically crosslinked by treatment with calcium chloride. Different forms of crosslinked alginate were obtained depending on the calcium chloride concentration. The forms varied from shapeless gel to dense agglomerated spheres. The optimal structure were spherical beads separated from each other. Ionically crosslinked alginates were then subjected to covalent crosslinking with epichlorohydrin. For additional reinforcement the crosslinked beads of alginate were modified with cellulose nanofibers. The products were compared in terms of water absorption in the dry samples, their morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Calcium ions distribution in the composites was evaluated by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. In vitro biodegradation of the crosslinked alginates was also investigated.