Cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) are
biocompatible and biodegradable, so they are often used in
the biomedical field. Recently, cellulose-based superabsorbent
hydrogels prepared by using radiation-induced crosslinking
[28,29] and chemical cross-linking [30,31] have been
investigated. Ibrahim et al. have synthesized cross-linked
superabsorbent carboxymethylcellulose/acrylamide hydrogel
through electron-beam irradiation, which can enhance
the water retention of soil [3]. Biodegradable superabsorbent
hydrogels have been prepared through etherifying of
the cellulose with succinic anhydride, which can absorb an
amount of water of about 400 times of its dry weight [32].
So far, a considerable attention has centered on the application
of superabsorbent hydrogels which possess high adsorbent
capability, biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Sannino et al. have reported that a superabsorbent hydrogel
can be applied to body water elimination in the treatment of
edemas [33]. The hydrogels have also been fabricated for a
potential biomedical application as ‘‘barrier substances” to
prevent post-surgical tissue adhesion [34]. However, the
cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels directly prepared
from cellulose solution have been scarcely reported,