Influence of sonication treatment on supramolecular cellulose microfibril-based hydrogels induced by ionic interaction

This study investigated effects of sonication treatment on characteristics and drug release behavior of hydrogels prepared by supramolecular cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) isolated by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation which made carboxylate negative charge available on the CMFs’ surface. The hydrogels were fabricated by inducing ionic interactions between negatively charged CMFs and a positive metal ion (Al3+). The sonication time showed no influence on the carboxylate content of CMFs, but it greatly influenced characteristics and drug release behavior of the hydrogels. These results indicate that the sonication time has an impact on hydrogels’ characteristics and drug release behavior.