<i>In vitro</i> degradation of starch/PVA films and biocompatibility evaluation

Abstract

Abstract A series of starch/PVA (SP) films with the thickness of 0.05–0.1 mm were cast by solvent method. The swelling and degradation behaviors in simulated blood fluid (SBF) and simulated saliva fluid (SSF) within 30 days were investigated. In vitro biocompatibility was also evaluated. Research purpose of this work was to supply basic data for SP films' potential application in guide tissue regeneration (GTR) technology. It took 10–20 min for different samples to reach to their maximum water absorption and 30 min to lever off. The weight loss of all samples decreased rapidly in the first day in both of SBF or SSF, and then it changed slightly in SSF but decreased step by step in SBF. The mechanical properties of the wet SP films were satisfied with the requirement of GTR membrane. No matter in SBF or SSF, although the mechanical properties decreased rapidly in the first day, they changed slightly after that. Cytotoxicity and L929 fibroblasts attachment test proved that the SP film possesses excellent cell affinity. Hemolysis ratios of all samples were less than 5%. All results demonstrated that SP film is a promising candidate in GTR treatment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010