Evaluation of the influence of spirulina microalgae on the drug delivery characteristics of genipin cross-linked chitosan hydrogels

Chitosan-spirulina hydrogels were prepared by crosslinking of chitosan with genipin, in presence of spirulina microalgae. The swelling ratios and kinetic parameters of the hydrogels in distilled water, pH:2 and pH:7.4 solutions and the drug 5-Fluorouracil delivery capacities of the hydrogels were determined by gravimetric and spectrophotometric analyses, respectively and the results were statistically evaluated. The morphological structures, thermal and mechanical properties of the hydrogels were investigated using related techniques. Furthermore, cytotoxicity test was performed for assessment of biocompability of the hydrogels.The all results indicate that spirulina significantly improves the drug delivery properties of the genipine cross-linked hydrogels.