ERODIBLE SOLID HYDROGELS FOR DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE MATERIALS

摘要

The present invention is directed to an erodible solid hydrogel material for delivery of biologically active agents such as pharmaceuticals. Said solid hydrogel material is formed from non-covalently cross-linked polysaccharide derivatives, which bear both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. Gel formation is then induced for example by freeze-drying. The gel is erodible either by simple mechanical disruption of the gel or due to biological processes acting on the hydrogel.