2.5.4 Drying kinetics study
The drying kinetics of the control SA/Gel as well as the fabricated A-SA-Gel hydrogel samples was investigated by weighing their weight loss at predetermined time intervals. In order to measure the drying kinetics and water content of the A-SA-Gel hydrogel, three samples were fabricated and dried at 37 °C. The dry weight (Wo ) of samples were recorded. Then, the samples were immersed into PBS solution for 2 h at 37 °C, and the swollen weight (Wm ) of samples was captured. Finally, the swollen samples were dried at 37 °C and the dry weight (Wt ) was measured every 15 min until no further change in the weight of the samples. The drying percent (%) was calculated according to the following equation:
Drying (%) = [(Wt - Wo) / (Wm- Wo )] × 100%