Water absorption and antimicrobial behavior of physically cross linked poly (vinyl alcohol)/carrageenan films loaded with minocycline

Abstract

Abstract: In the present study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Carrageenan(Car) composite films have been prepared by ionic cross-linking of the two polymers with Borax (Bx) and K+ ions, respectively, in aqueous medium at room temperature. The films were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TGA, and AFM analysis. The equilibrium percent swelling (EPS) of PVA/Carr films, so produced, exhibited negative dependence on the amount of cross-linkers. A detailed investigation of their water absorption and moisture permeation behavior has been carried out. The films showed non-thrombogenic and non-cytotoxic behaviors. Finally, drug minocycline-loaded films showed excellent antimicrobial behavior.