In situ formation of chitosan-gold hybrid hydrogel and its application for drug delivery

► We develop a novel chitosan-gold (CS-Au) hybrid hydrogel. ► Au nanoparticles work as physical cross-linking points of the hydrogel. ► The hydrogel exhibits an excellent water-absorbing and re-swelling property. ► The hydrogel can be used as a drug delivery system for doxorubicin (DOX).