Chitosan-based hydrogels involving γ-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds of thyme oil were prepared by freeze–thaw cycling method. Clinoptilolite as a natural zeolite was added to investigate its effects on the structural, mechanical, and drug release behaviors of the hydrogels. Zeolite compressed the structure and improved mechanical properties, which decreased swelling values. Release of thyme oil in prepared hydrogels were investigated by UV spectroscopy and drug release mechanism was evaluated by applying various mathematical methods. Rates of water vapor transmission of the samples were calculated as 2247–2998 g m−2 day−1 which are all in the range of an ideal wound dressing. Hydrogels with clinoptilolite had slower drug release (from 56% to 24% for hydrogels containing zeolite 1%) in comparison with that of without zeolite. Based on MTT assay, samples were low-toxic. Obtained results suggest that drug loaded hydrogels can be applied in biomedical field including drug delivery systems and wound dressings.
