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Controlling Drug Release From Alginate Hydrogel Beads Using Polymer Coatings

ISEF · 2026 Chemistry

Melancon, Madeleine · Carnegie Vanguard High School

Overview

Controlled drug delivery systems can improve chemotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects. This study investigated how pH and polymer coatings affect the release of doxorubicin from calcium - alginate beads. Beads were prepared with sodium alginate and calcium chloride, then left uncoated or coated with chitosan, polyethyleneimine ( PEI ) , or a combination of PEI and polyacrylamide ( PAA ) . Drug release was tested in citrate buffer ( pH 5 ) , phosphate - buffered saline ( PBS, pH 7 ) , and Tris buffer ( pH 9 ) . Uncoated beads released about 75% of doxorubicin within 4 hours at all pH levels, with the fastest release at pH 9 and slowest at pH 5. Polymer coatings slowed release across all pH values, with chitosan + alginate most effective at pH 5, PEI + alginate at pH 7, and PEI + PAA at pH 9. These results show that polymer - coated alginate beads provide pH - dependent, controlled drug release, demonstrating their potential for targeted chemotherapy and reduced harm to healthy cells.

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Source: Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

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