Cytarabine release from α,β-poly(N-hydroxyethyl)-image-aspartamide matrices cross-linked through γ-radiation

α,β-poly(N-hydroxyethyl)-image-aspartamide solutions were cross-linked through γ-radiation and the systems obtained were tested as matrices for drug sustained release, using cytarabine as model drug. We performed the characterization of the cross-linked polymer, both drug-loaded and unloaded, through water swelling measurements, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. Finally, we investigated the in vitro release behaviour of cytarabine.