Transport properties of dextran-based hydrogel systems

This bachelor thesis is focused on study of transport properties of dextran-based hydrogel systems. The aim of this work is to determine their ability to absorb and release substances. Nile red was used as a probe to examine the transport properties of these systems. All hydrogels were prepared by the so-called wet way. At first stock solutions of dextran and surfactants were prepared and subsequently mixed to form a hydrogel. Nile red was dissolved in the surfactant stock solution and colored gels were formed upon mixing with dextran stock solution. Several types of gels were thus formed which differ in the concentration of the surfactant and nile red used. Supernatants were spectrophotometrically measured at various time intervals. For study of transport properties in multiple surroundings, the original supernatant was replaced after hydrogel preparation with a surfactant solution or physiological saline solution