Mechanical properties, biodegradability, and drug release of polymeric hydrogels

This study evaluated the mechanical behavior, degradation characteristics, and drug release performance of alginate–pectin polymeric hydrogels designed for biomedical applications. Hydrogels with varying alginate-to-pectin ratios were fabricated using ionic crosslinking and lyophilization, with selected formulations incorporating acetaminophen-loaded alginate microspheres. Mechanical testing revealed that a balanced alginate/pectin ratio produced the highest compressive strength, while unbalanced compositions showed reduced stiffness. Swelling, degradation, and release studies conducted under physiological conditions demonstrated composition-dependent stability and drug diffusion behavior, with certain formulations exhibiting Fickian and non-Fickian release mechanisms. The results highlight how polymer ratio and microsphere incorporation can be tuned to balance mechanical integrity, degradation rate, and controlled drug release in hydrogel-based delivery systems.