Insight into Effects of Different Drying Methods on Morphological Properties of Sodium Alginate-Chitosan Double Coacervation Hydrogel Beads

Hydrogel beads with different diameters were prepared by double coacervation method of alginate with CaCl2 followed by complexation between alginate and chitosan. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological properties of beads under different conditions and prepared by different drying methods, which would have a major effect on the other characters and applications of beads. The results show that the beads can be manufactured with the control of concentrations of the two polymers and diameter of the syringe needle. Different drying methods can affect the morphological properties of the beads.