Chitosan-Halloysite Hydrogel Drug Delivery System

Abstract

In this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used to reinforce chitosan hydrogels, and built a biocompatible, biodegradable and sustained drug release system. The biodegradability, stretchability, and surface structure of the chitosan-HNTs hydrogels were studied. Gentamicin was selected as drug release model. Escherichia coli was used to estimate drug efficacy. Results indicate that HNTs significantly improved the gels' mechanical properties while, permitting an extended period of drug release, and without a negative affect on drug efficacy.