Properties and biocompatibility of chitosan films modified by blending with PVA and chemically crosslinked

In the present work we report the synthesis, characterization, and preliminary biocompatibility of polymer blends based on Chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with low degree of hydrolysis and chemically crosslinked by glutaraldehyde for potential application on skin tissue repairing. The microstructure and morphology of the blended hydrogels were characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) analysis. Hydrogels were investigated by swelling as preliminary in vitro test using simulated body fluid. In addition, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and cell viability were assessed via MTT assay with VERO cell culture and cell spreading-adhesion analysis. It was found that by increasing the chitosan to PVA ratio, simulated body fluid uptake of the material was significantly altered. All the tested hydrogels have clearly presented adequate cell viability, non-toxicity, and suitable properties which can be tailored for prospective use in skin tissue engineering.