Super‐macroporous dextran cryogels via UV‐induced crosslinking: synthesis and characterization

Cryogenic treatment and UV irradiation were exploited for the preparation of super‐macroporous cryogels from non‐modified high‐molar‐mass dextran. The photo‐crosslinking process was initiated by (4‐benzoylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (BAAm) was used as a crosslinking agent. Gel fraction yield and degree of swelling of the dextran cryogels were determined gravimetrically. Cryogel morphology and mechanical properties were studied using environmental scanning electron microscopy and dynamic rheological measurements, respectively. The effects of dextran concentration in the initial polymer solution, polymer molar mass and BAAm content on the crosslinking efficacy, physico‐mechanical properties and morphology of the cryogels were evaluated. The dextran cryogels were assessed as carriers of the model water‐soluble drug metoprolol. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry Dextran cryogels were successfully synthesized by photochemical crosslinking of a non‐modified high‐molar‐mass linear precursor in a frozen aqueous system.