Fostering kappa (κ)-carrageenan hydrogels with the power of a natural crosslinker: a comparison between tender coconut water and potassium chloride (KCl) for therapeutic applications.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the potential of tender coconut water as a natural alternative to potassium chloride (KCl) to crosslink κ-carrageenan hydrogels. κ-Carrageenan hydrogels crosslinked with tender coconut water, KCl, and their combination were formulated with diclofenac sodium as model drug, and their morphology, chemical bonding, compressive strength, water uptake capacity, degradation resistance, and cytotoxicity were assessed. The results showed that crosslinking κ-carrageenan hydrogels with both tender coconut water and KCl increased their compressive strength by up to 450%, provided excellent water retention capacity, and resulted in only 5% degradation after 20 days. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that crosslinking the hydrogel with both tender coconut water and KCl compac

SUBMITTER: Markale A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11908996 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature