Preparation and characterization of hydrogels of PVA and PVP containing chitosan by radiation

In this study, hydrogels from mixtures of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan/poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) were prepared by gamma -ray irradiation, and the mechanical properties such as gelation, water absorptivity and gel strength were examined to evaluate the applicability of these for wound dressing. The PVA:chitosan and PVP:chitosan ratio were in the range of 97:3 similar to 90:10, and the solid concentration of PVA/chitosan and PVP/chitosan solution were 15 wt%. Gamma irradiation with doses of 25. 35, 50, 60 and 70 kGy, was exposed to mixtures of PVA/chitosan and PVP/chitosan to evaluate the effect of irradiation dose. Gel content and gel strength increased as chitosan concentrations in PVA/chitosan and PVP/chitosan decreased, and as irradiation dose increased. Swelling degree increased as chitosan concentrations in PVP/chitosan and PVA/chitosan increased, and as irradiation dose decreased.