Abstract
In this study, the development and characterization of novel polymer blends based on chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol) and physically cross-linked by freeze-thaw method for possible use in a variety of biomedical application is reported. The present investigation deals with designing savlon-loaded blend hydrogels (coined as cryogels) of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan by repeated freeze-thaw method and their characterization by SEM and FTIR techniques. The FTIR spectra clearly reveal that savlon-loaded chitosan and PVA blends are bonded together through hydrogen bonding. The SEM analysis suggests that cryogels show a well-defined porous morphology. The prepared cryogels were also investigated for swelling and deswelling behaviors. The results reveal that both the swelling and deswelling behaviors greatly depend on factors like chemical composition of the cryogels, number of freeze-thaw cycles, pH and temperature of the swelling bath. The savlon-loaded blends were also investigated for their in vitro blood compatibility and antibacterial activity.