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

A novel chitosan–gold (CS–Au) hybrid hydrogel was developed from chitosan and chloroauric acid in aqueous solution. Its physiochemical characteristics, including UV absorption, structure, morphology, swelling properties were studied. The CS–Au hybrid hydrogel exhibited an excellent water-absorbing property and could be applied as a drug delivery system for anticancer drug: doxorubicin (DOX) due to its high equilibrium water swelling content. The drug loading and release experiments elicited an efficient drug loading content and sustained drug release pattern. Moreover, DOX released from hydrogel which itself had no cytotoxicity was biological active similar as the free DOX, but lower cytotoxicity due to its controllable release. All proved it an ideal local drug delivery system indicating a promising potential future in medical or pharmaceutical area.