Few researches are directed at drug deliv-ery systems for b-lapachone (b-lap), a powerful anticanceragent but with limited pharmaceutical use. To overcomeits limitations, we investigated controlled delivery systemsof b-lap in simulated gastric fluids in vitro from chitosan(CS) and alginate (AL) hydrogel beads with purpose fororal administration. The AL-CS hydrogel beads wereformed by coacervation and were characterized by mor-phology, swelling ratio, and their physicochemical proper-ties. The hydrogel beads, with sizes of roughly 1 mm,presented good stability, and low porosity. The in vitrodrug release profile was in good agreement with kineticsprofiles and the Fickian model indicating diffusion as therelease mechanism, with low burst effect, especially in anacid medium and allowing a prolonged release of 72 h(pH 1.2; k2¼ 0.19 6 0.04) and (pH 7.4; k2¼ 0.20 6 0.01).The beads were resistant to the acid medium and may bean alternative for b-lap therapy of colorectal cancer