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

The study explores the drug-loading and release capabilities of FucoPol hydrogel membranes using caffeine and diclofenac sodium as model drugs, employing diffusion and mixing methods. The mixing method generally achieved higher drug loading and entrapment efficiency, while the diffusion method resulted in a rapid initial release. Caffeine-loaded membranes showed enhanced mechanical properties, such as increased hardness. The release kinetics followed a Fickian diffusion mechanism, with the choice of loading method and drug characteristics significantly influencing the performance. These findings suggest FucoPol hydrogel membranes are promising for topical drug delivery, with potential for optimization in future research.