Synthesis of pH-sensitive and biodegradable CM-cellulose/chitosan polyampholytic hydrogels with electron beam irradiation

A series of novel environment-conscious hydrogels were prepared from carboxymethylated cellulose (CM-cellulose) and chitosan using irradiation without any additives. Gel fraction, mechanical property, and swelling behavior of the hydrogel were studied. The hydrogel blend exhibited improved mechanical property and good swelling in water. The blend hydrogels also displayed typical pH-sensitive swelling behavior. A preliminary biodegradation study confirmed that the hydrogel blends undergo biodegradation by enzymatic degradation.