Synthesize of Sodium Alginate Hydrogel from Iranian Brown Seaweed as a Candidate for Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels, which are cross-linked networks of hydrophilic polymers, are consideredpromising candidates for various biomedical applications due to their unique physical andchemical properties. This property is especially beneficial in applications such as drug delivery,where ease of administration is crucial. Among these materials, alginate, a natural polysaccharidederived from brown seaweed, can form hydrogels through ionic cross-linking under mildconditions without the need for toxic reagents, making it a popular choice in biomedical fields.A primary source of alginates is brown seaweed, scientifically classified under the groupPhaeophyceae. Alginates are polysaccharides that are abundantly found in the cell walls ofthese brown seaweed species. In this research, brown algae were systematically harvestedfrom the Oman Sea in southern Iran. After collection, the alginate was meticulously extractedand purified process to ensure its quality and suitability for medical applications. A hydrogelprimarily composed of purified sodium alginate was then developed. Various techniques wereutilized to evaluate the properties of the resulting hydrogel, including detailed assessments ofits physical and morphological characteristics through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction, gel fraction analysis, and rheological studies. To determine the safety andcompatibility of the synthesized hydrogel for biomedical applications, a cytotoxicity test wasconducted. The results of these studies indicate that the synthesized hydrogel holds considerablepromise as a candidate for biomedical applications, particularly in targeted therapies, therebyopening avenues for future research in biomedicine and pharmaceutical innovation. As thefield continues to evolve, the implications of this study underscore the importance of exploringnatural biopolymers for sustainable biomedical applications