Investigation and evaluation of structural, antioxidant/antimicrobial and release properties of chitosaan and licorice based composite hydrojels

In this study, hybrid hydrogels were synthesized and characterized using chitosan and licorice root polysaccharides, which are natural biopolymers. Enriched with bergamot oil, these hydrogels exhibit functional properties that suggest potential applications in biomedical, food, and cosmetic fields. The effects of initial material concentration, pH, and temperature on hydrogel formation were investigated. Structural and functional characterization of the synthesized hydrogels was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Swelling behavior, in vitro degradation, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were also evaluated. Additionally, the mechanical and physical properties of the hydrogel films, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, were analyzed. The results indicate that combining chitosan and licorice root polysaccharides produces stable hybrid structures with enhanced biofunctional characteristics.