Cellulose nanocrystal-based hydrogel microspheres prepared via electrohydrodynamic processes for controlled release of bioactive compounds.

Controlled release systems (CRSs) have been sought after as a compelling platform for site-specific delivery of bioactive compounds (BCs), including traditional drugs and food supplements. However, their potential is often hindered by challenges such as non-uniformity and structural instability. This study utilized an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) process to synthesize composites of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) (in two forms: colloidal (c) and crosslinked (x)) and alginate (ALG) to produce uniformly shaped hydrogel microspheres (HMs), serving as pH-sensitive CRSs for BC encapsulation.