Exploring the Drug-Loading and Release Ability of FucoPol Hydrogel Membranes

FucoPol hydrogel membranes (HMs) show promise as drug delivery systems for topical applications due to their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, FucoPol HMs were crosslinked with iron cations and loaded with caffeine or diclofenac sodium using diffusion and mixing methods. The diffusion method achieved higher caffeine loading, while the mixing method resulted in higher diclofenac sodium loading. The caffeine-loaded membranes exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to the diclofenac-loaded ones. Drug release profiles indicated a fast release from diffusion-loaded membranes and a sustained release from mixing-loaded membranes, with Fickian diffusion governing the release process. These results highlight the potential of FucoPol HMs as platforms for topical drug delivery.