Effect of heat treatment of starch on the properties of the starch hydrogels

Development of hydrogels prepared by crosslinking of corn starch and polyvinyl alcohol with glutaraldehyde was attempted. The membranes were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and XRD. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were characterized by tensile tests. Diffusion studies of salicylic acid and gatifloxacin through the membranes were also evaluated. FTIR spectroscopy indicated absence of carbonyl group absorption band of glutaraldehyde and presence of hydroxyl group in the hydrogel membranes. XRD studies indicated that the crystallinity of the membranes was mainly due to PVA. The membranes had sufficient strength to be used for biomedical applications. Diffusion studies indicated diffusion of both anionic and cationic drugs through the hydrogel membranes. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.