In this study, hydrogels from mixtures of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)(PVP)/glycerin/chitosan were prepared by γ-ray iradiation and the mechanical properties such as gelation, water absorptivity, and gel strength were examined to evaluate the applicability of these for wound dressing. Then PVA:PVP was weight ratio of 6 : 4, the concentration of chitosan was 0.3 wt%, the concentration of glycerin was in the range of 0~5 wt%. The solid concentration of PVA/PVP/glycerin/chitosan solution was 15 wt%. Gamma irradiation doses of 25, 35, 50, and 60 kGy, were exposed to a mixture of PVA/PVP/glycerin/chitosan to evaluate the effect of irradiation dose. Gel content and gel strength increased as glycerin concentration in PVA/PVP/glycerin/chitosan decreased, and as irradiation dose increased. Swelling degree increased as glycerin concentration in PVA/PVP/glycerin/chitosan increased, and as irradiation dose decreased. The glycerin in PVA/PVP/glycerin/chitosan hydrogel prevented the transformation of shape. These hydrogel dressings had better curing effect than vaseline gauge.

본 연구에서는, 방사선(60Co γ-rays) 가교를 이용하여 poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)(PVP)/글리세린/키토산의 혼합물로부터 하이드로겔을 제조하였다. 하이드로겔이 상처 치료용 드레싱으로 사용될 수 있는지 예측하기 위해 겔화율, 팽윤도, 겔강도 같은 기계적 성질을 측정하였다. PVA와 PVP의 조성비는 6 : 4, 키토산은 0.3 wt%, 글리세린은 0~5 wt%, PVA/PVP/글리세린/키토산 수용액의 고형분의 농도는 15 wt%이었다. 하이드로겔의 기계적 성질에 조사선량이 미치는 영향을 예측하기 위해 PVA/PVP/글리세린/키토산 혼합물에 25~60 kGy의 감마선을 조사하였다. 겔화율과 겔강도는 글리세린 조성비가 작을수록, 조사선량이 커질수록 증가하였다. 팽윤도는 글리세린 조성비가 클수록, 조사선량이 작을수록 증가하였다. PVA/PVP/글리세린/키토산 하이드로겔에서 글리세린은 겔 모양의 변형을 막는다. 제조된 하이드로겔이 상업용 바셀린 거즈보다 치료 효과가 우수하였다.

Keywords: hydrogels; radiation; hydrophilic polymers; glycerin; chitosan