Biocompatibility, biodegradability, and drug carrier ability of hybrid collagen-based hydrogel nanocomposites

The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and drug carrier capacity of new types of hybrid hydrogels were evaluated for potential medical applications. The effects of swelling and deswelling of the hybrid hydrogels on drug loading and release capacity were evaluated. The hybrid hydrogels with Dellite((R)) 67G and Cloisite((R)) 93A had superior collagenase resistance compared to hydrogels without the inorganic nanoparticles. The effect of the hybrid hydrogels on the immune response parameters was followed by evaluating the chronic inflammation in rats. These hybrid hydrogels have the potential for medical and pharmaceutical applications as well as for scaffolds production in the reconstruction and regeneration of burned tissues with control of inflammatory processes.