Encapsulation of proteins in hydrogel carrier systems for controlled drug delivery: Influence of network structure and drug size on release rate

► Determination of hydrogel pore sizes by cryo-SEM and mesh sizes by swelling data. ► Pores and meshes assumed to be both present in the hydrogel system. ► Release influenced by the ratio of hydrodynamic diameter and mesh and pore size structure. ► Release of entrapped substances predominantly controlled by degradation. ► Release of appropriate dextrans as models is in line with the release of IgG and scFv.