Tailored alginate sponges loaded with κ-carrageenan beads for controlled release of curcumin.

This study presents an innovative approach to develop and characterize an alginate sponge containing κ-carrageenan (κ-CRG) beads loaded with curcumin. The beads were fabricated using varying concentrations of κ-CRG, and their properties were extensively evaluated using inverted phase-contrast microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FTIR, swelling behavior, mass distribution, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release and kinetics of drug release. Beads formulated with specific concentrations of κ-CRG that exhibited optimal performance were then integrated into an alginate sponge matrix, which underwent similar comprehensive testing procedures as the individual beads.