Preparation and Properties of Sodium Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogel-Microspheres

Calcium alginate gel microspheres exhibiting pH response release characteristics were prepared, and utilizing Bovine serum albumin (BSA) to evaluate drug release performance. Hydrogels composed of gelatin (GL) and sodium alginate oxide (NALO), with varying ratios (7:3; 4:1; 3:2) were prepared by controlling their composition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a microplate reader (ELIASA) were used to characterize the microspheres' microstructure and in vitro BSA release behavior, respectively. The results demonstrated that, under acidic conditions, the BSA release was slower than in neutral conditions. The hydrogels' physical and chemical properties were analyzed using optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling experiments and mechanical testing of the hydrogels and microsphere loaded hydrogels. The results showed that a GL to NALO ratio of 7:3 increased the swelling degree, while a 4:1 ratio optimized the mechanical characteristics. The study concluded that the microsphere-loaded hydrogels exhibited significant potential for human drug delivery applications.