Smart Biopolymer‐Based Ternary Hydrogels: Dual‐Functional Platforms for Rabeprazole Delivery and Dye Remediation

ABSTRACT

Novel class of multifunctional, biocompatible ternary hydrogels was systematically designed utilizing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), chitosan (CHT), and Jeffamine (JEF) in an optimized molar ratio of 2:1:0.5, respectively demonstrating exceptional mechanical strength, adjustable porosity, and significant pH‐responsiveness. Thorough characterization via FTIR, UV–Vis., PXRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM analyses the successful occurrence of interpolymeric crosslinking, remarkable thermal stability, and a hierarchically structured three‐dimensional architecture was confirmed. The hydrogel matrix exhibited enhanced swelling dynamics and swelling‐facilitated adsorption capacity, accomplishing effective elimination of both Methyl Orange (acidic) and Amido Black‐10B (basic) dyes particularly under alkaline conditions thereby underscoring its potential for environmental remediation. Among the various formulations, TH‐2 distinguished itself as the most resilient system, demonstrating the highest adsorption efficacy and chemical durability. Moreover, Rabeprazole‐loaded hydrogel systems exhibited remarkable drug encapsulation efficiency (≈94%) and a sustained, diffusion‐controlled release profile over a duration of 24 h at physiological pH (7.4), dictated by the optimized pore structure and balanced hydrophilicity. The synergistic efficacy of these hydrogels positions them as next‐generation, intelligent materials with dual functionality capable of addressing both wastewater treatment and controlled oral drug delivery through a cohesive, sustainable polymeric framework.