The dried blend gel beads were dipped in SGF, SIF or SCF
at 37 ◦C. The swollen beads were periodically removed and
weighed. The wet weight of the swollen beads was determined
by blotting them with filter paper to remove moisture adhering to
the surface, immediately followed by weighing on an electronic
balance. All experiments were done in triplicate. The percentage
of swelling of the beads was calculated from the formula:
SW=(Wt −Wo)/Wo; where Wt is the weight of beads at appropriate
intervals in buffer saline and Wo is the absolutely dried
weight of beads. Each Wo determination contained no less than
0.1 g beads.