Supported polyionic hydrogels

Abstract

A supported polyionic hydrogel is prepared by impregnating a support matel with a solution of anionic polysaccharide and a solution of cationic polysaccharide where the anionic polysaccharide and cationic polysaccharide react with each other to form a polyionic hydrogel impregnated in the support material. The hydrogel may be dried such as by lyophilization. Preferably, the anionic polysaccharide is xanthan, dicarboxystarch or dicarboxycellulose and the cationic polysaccharide is chitosan. Especially preferred is a polyionic hydrogel formed from xanthan and chitosan. A paper material or a textile material can be used as the support material. A dry supported polyionic hydrogel can be formed as a bandage without active material incorporated therein. The supported polyionic hydrogel may be formed containing a biologically active material by having the active material in either polysaccharide solution or in another solution impregnated into the support material. The biologically active materials can be enzymes, antibody-producing cells or water-soluble drugs such as the antimicrobial agent, chlorohexidine.