The optimization of hydrogel strength from cassava starch using oxidized sucrose as a crosslinking agent

The mechanical properties of hydrogels are crucial in wound dressing application. Starch-based hydrogels have deficiencies in mechanical strength and gel stability. These shortcomings can be addressed by employing crosslinking techniques with oxidized sucrose. A design of experiments approach was used to optimize the tensile strength of the product. The results indicated that both the composition of oxidized sucrose and glycerol significantly impact tensile strength (p-value \textless 0.05). The optimal tensile strength achieved was 27 MPa, using 0.9762 mL of oxidized sucrose and 0.0624 g of glycerol per gram of starch. The hydrogel products underwent a series of characterizations, including optical microscope examination, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), swelling test, Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR), contact angle, and cytotoxicity test. The FTIR and 1H NMR analyses confirmed the crosslinking of hydroxyl groups within starch molecules with aldehyde groups from oxidized sucrose. Characterization of this hydrogel revealed that it had a swelling capacity of 95%, a WVTR of 714.92 g per m2 per 24 h, a contact angle of 74.76°, and a cell viability value greater than 100%. Thus, this hydrogel is suitable for wound dressing due to its strength, exudate-absorbing capabilities, moisture retention properties, hydrophilicity, and non-toxicity.