Synthesis and Characterizatin of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Aloe Vera Hydrogel Film by Solvent Casting Method for Wound Dressing Applications

In this study, we have tried to make hydrogel films by polyvinyl alcohol and Aloe vera which used in treat wounds. The films were prepared by solvent casting method with different concentration of aloe vera include 20, 30 and 50%. Some properties of samples such as water absorption, degradation rate, water vapour transmission rate and mechanical properties were examined. Also, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test were carried out in order to identify the bonds and morphological assessment in the samples, respectively. The results showed that with increasing of aloe vera concentration to 30% (PA30), water absorption rate, degradation rate and mechanical properties are increased. In according to SEM investigations, we found with aloe vera increasing, the porosity on surface of samples was increased. In the other hand, water vapour transmission rate have direct comparison with percentage of aloe vera concentration. Finally, cell cytotoxicity and morphology fibroblast cells (L929) attached on the samples surface evaluated by in vitro assay. The results showed that cells proliferated in greater numbers on the PA30 sample compared to other samples. Therefore, our results indicated that polyvinyl alcohol/Aloe vera hydrogel films are a good choice for use in wound dressing.