Rheology and texture analysis of gelatin/dialdehyde starch hydrogel carriers for curcumin controlled release

A hydrogel carrier was prepared by synergistic cross-linking of dynamic imine bonds and hydrogen bonds between gelatin and dialdehyde starch (DS). The dynamic gelation process and rheological and mechanical properties of hydrogels with different concentrations of DS were studied by dynamic rheology and texture analysis. By changing the content of DS, the gelation kinetics of the hydrogel were adjusted to determine the different gelation times and ensure good injectability. Hydrogels have a stable and firm network structure, and the network can regenerate rapidly after dissociation and collapse. The hydrogel had self-recovery and fatigue resistance, and its hardness, elasticity, deformation capacity, compressive strength and modulus increased with increasing DS content. The hydrogel had good pH-dependent controlled-release ability for curcumin. Injectable hydrogels with biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties and self-healing properties were used as drug or nutrient delivery carriers for more controlled placement and release.