Abstract
Chitosan-alginate hydrogel beads with hollow structure were successfully prepared by dropping method for controlling delivery of bitter gourd (BG). Loading efficiency and loading content of the beads are 97.8% and 86.4%, respectively. Swelling accompanied with degradation behavior suggests the beads have pH-sensitive characteristics. In vitro release study reveals that the release behavior of these beads is environmental oriented. The MTS test demonstrates the hydrogel beads have good cytocompatibility and do not compromise cell viability. Finally, in vivo study confirms that hollow hydrogel beads have controlled and sustained release capability.