Cytotoxicity and wound healing properties of PVA/ws-chitosan/glycerol hydrogels made by irradiation followed by freeze–thawing

Hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol), water-soluble chitosan and glycerol made by irradiation followed by freeze–thawing were evaluated as wound dressing. MTT assay suggested that the extract of hydrogels was nontoxic towards L929 mouse fibroblasts. Compared to gauze dressing, the hydrogel can accelerate the healing process of full-thickness wounds in a rat model. Wounds treated with hydrogel healed at 11th day postoperatively and histological observation showed that mature epidermal architecture was formed. These indicate that it is a good wound dressing.