Real-time monitor on the release of salicylic acid from chitosan gel beads by means of dielectric spectroscopy

The release processes of salicylic acid (SA) from the chitosan gel beads (CGB) with different crosslinking densities were monitored in real time by means of dielectric spectroscopy. Distinct dielectric relaxations attributed to interfacial polarization were observed, which exhibited obvious dependences on the crosslinking density and the release time. In line with Hanai's equation, the properties of CGB and release media were quantitatively determined from the dielectric profiles. Based on these properties and dielectric behaviors, the release profiles were analyzed. It was found that only the dispersion of CGB with the lowest crosslinking density exhibited release behavior, while other dispersions showed an obvious adsorption process following a burst of drug diffusion. The total loading and release amount of SA were determined and compared, and the influence of crosslinking degree on the drug loading and release was discussed. In addition, the release behavior was confirmed to be diffusionally controlled, and the diffusion coefficient of SA was determined