Preparation and characterization of PVA/PVP/glycerin/antibacterial agent hydrogels using γ-irradiation followed by freeze-thawing

Hydrogels for wound dressings from a mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), glycerin and an antibacterial agent were obtained by gamma-irradiation combined with freeze-thawing. The physical properties such as the gelation and swelling degree of the hydrogels were examined. When the PVP/PVA ratio was 6 : 4 (wt%) and prepared by combined irradiation and freeze-thawing, it showed an excellent swelling capacity (>1,200%). The antibacterial effect of the hydrogels containing the antibacterial agents was observed to be effective as the concentration of antibacterial agents increased. The results demonstrated that hydrogel in a proper blending ratio could be used as a wound dressing that can accelerate wound healing with an antibacterial effect.