Abstract
In this study, monolayer and double layer (core-shell) composite hydrogel beads with and without hydroxyapatite which have potential applications in drug delivery systems were synthesized, and their swelling behaviours were investigated in different pH mediums. The composite hydrogel beads was prepared by crosslinking sodium alginate and kappa-carrageenan (by using Ca+2 and K+1). Core-shell hydrogel beads were formed by coating monolayer composite hydrogel beads with the mixture of sodium alginate and kappa-carrageenan. The structure of hydrogel beads was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The effects of the composite hydrogel beads combination and the concentration of crosslinker on swelling behaviours were investigated. Swelling kinetics data were tested using pseudo-second-order model, and the pseudo-second-order model is estimated as a convenient model to represent the swelling kinetic. The results indicated that swelling behaviours of hydrogel beads changed with composite hydrogel beads combination and concentration of crosslinker.