Cryogenic fabrication of savlon loaded macroporous blends of alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Swelling, deswelling and antibacterial behaviors

The present investigation deals with designing of savlon loaded blend hydrogels (termed cryogels) of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and alginate by repeated freeze–thaw method and their characterization by SEM and FTIR techniques. The FTIR spectra clearly reveal that savlon loaded alginate and PVA blends are bonded together through hydrogen bonding. The SEM analysis suggests that cryogels show a well defined porous morphology. The prepared cryogels were also investigated for swelling and deswelling behaviors. The results reveal that both the swelling and deswelling processes greatly depend on the chemical composition of the cryogels, number of freeze–thaw cycles and pH and temperature of the swelling bath. The savlon loaded blends were also investigated for their in vitro blood compatibility and antibacterial activity.