Freeze–thaw enhanced stability and mechanical strength of polysaccharide‐based sodium alginate/hyaluronic acid films

Abstract

An edible polysaccharide film with high tensile strength and biodegradability was prepared by freeze-thaw treatment with sodium alginate (SA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) and cross-linking with calcium lactate. The SA/HA ratio, the calcium concentration, the number of freeze-thaw cycles, and the calcification time all have significant effects on the tensile strength of SA/HA films. An increase in tensile strength was obtained due to the reaction of 3% calcium lactate with 60% SA. Compared with the control group, the tensile strength of the SA/HA films developed in this study increased by 214% from 3.188 to 10.02 MPa. The compatibility of films was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; the absorption peaks of SA and sodium hyaluronate had shifted to a wavelength of 3,403 $ 3,411 cm À1 after freeze-thaw treatment, and a strong interaction occurred at a wavelength of 1,328 cm À1 . In addition, the swelling and solubility of the SA/HA film decreased by half during the freeze-thaw period. Further, scanning electron microscopy showed that the cross sections of the films were uniform and compact after two freeze-thaw treatments. SA/HA films that exhibited increased tensile strength and that had the potential to overcome the poor water vapor barrier problems traditionally experienced with these films were developed in this study.

Exploring the Impact of Alginate—PVA Ratio and the Addition of Bioactive Substances on the Performance of Hybrid Hydrogel Membranes as Potential Wound Dressings

“…The number of crosslinked molecules forming an insoluble gel fraction is reflected by the gel content of a hydrogel, while the non-crosslinked portion of the hydrogel dissolves upon immersion in a solvent, leading to a reduction in the sample weight [ 116 ]. In addition to PVA crosslinking, freeze–thaw cycles have been demonstrated to promote the formation of intermolecular bonds in Alg [ 84 , 117 , 118 ], collagen [ 101 , 119 ] and hyaluronic acid [ 100 , 120 ]. The biohybrid hydrogel membranes were found to exhibit lower values for the gel fraction when compared to the corresponding hybrid hydrogel membranes, as expected from previous assays.…”

Enhancing chemical and physical stability of pharmaceuticals using freeze-thaw method: challenges and opportunities for process optimization through quality by design approach

“…The F/T method also allows for improved stability of films. Li et al [ 115 ] developed polysaccharide-based sodium alginate (SA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) films and demonstrated that SA/HA film swelling and solubility decreased by half during the F/T period and that the material had the potential to overcome the poor water vapor barrier problems traditionally experienced with these films. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cross sections of the films are uniform and compact after two F/T treatments.…”

Recent Reports on Polysaccharide-Based Materials for Drug Delivery

“…Additionally, OLG presence increases the antifungal drug activity. The latest scientific reports confirm that the freeze-thaw technique increases the stability and mechanical resistance of alginate-based films [ 25 ], and the effective loading of other active substances, e.g., with antioxidant properties [ 26 ].…”