Structure and properties of β-cyclodextrin/cellulose hydrogels prepared in NaOH/urea aqueous solution

► β-CD was crosslinked with cellulose in NaOH/urea aqueous solution. ► The swelling degree and water uptake of β-CD/cellulose hydrogels decreased with increasing β-CD content. ► The in vitro release of 5-FU displayed an inclusion complex formed between 5-FU and β-CD. ► Hydrogels contained β-CD could form complex with AnB, and lead to a fluorescence enhancement.