Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/poly (vinylpyrrolidone) biocomposite for biomedical application

CS/PVP blend membranes at different weight ratios were fabricated using a solution casting method and were characterized by measuring thickness, mechanical properties, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), and water solubility. Membrane morphology and other characteristics were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, DSC, TGA, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. SEM and XRD showed that the CS/PVP was homogeneously dispersed in the membrane and the crystallinity decreased with increasing PVP content. The prepared membranes also showed good thermal properties. The strong interaction between the Chitosan and PVP contributed to improvement in the properties of the blend membranes. Membranes with CS/PVP = 1/1 blend ratio of chitosan/PVP showed the most satisfactory Hemolysis, TS, Elongation at break of all tested ratios. The antibacterial activity of the blend membranes was then investigated against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The PVP concentration contributes to antibacterial effect of the membranes and lower water vapour transmission rate. The in vitro hemolysis test of the membranes showed blood compatibility. These findings suggest that the CS/PVP as a promising material for biomedical application.