Various hydrogels possess a combination of unique properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, superabsorption, viscoelasticity, and non-toxicity. Because of these unique properties, hydrogels find applications across various fields. In recent years, there has been intensive research into the potential applications of hydrogels in medical and pharmaceutical procedures, specifically as carriers for the controlled release of active substances and targeted drug delivery.
Hydrogels based on nanocellulose fibers with the addition of graphene oxide form a colloidal suspension in water. Their advantages include stability over a wide temperature range, within a broad pH range, and under varying ionic strength conditions in the environment, as well as biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Due to the addition of graphene oxide, hydrogels exhibit improved mechanical properties.
During my master's thesis, I investigated the rheological properties of nanocellulose hydrogels with the addition of graphene oxide. Using rheological tests, I described hydrogels' flow and viscoelastic behaviour. Subsequently, I correlated the results obtained from rheological tests with the effectiveness of control release of theophylline and lysozyme from the hydrogels.
I found that the rheological properties of hydrogels are influenced by their age, cross-linking density, and composition. Based on the results obtained from controlled release studies, I could conclude that the addition of graphene oxide to the nanocellulose suspension does not have a drastic impact on the controlled release of active substances from the hydrogel.
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