Abstract

Composite films of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with glutaraldehyde, impregnated with antimicrobial drug isonicotinic acid anhydrides (INH) were successfully prepared using a solvent casting method. The effect of composition on the property of several composite films formulations using different ratios of chitosan obtain from crab shell and PVA containing INH were studied. The films were evaluated for tensile strength, swelling ability (water uptake capacity) and In-vitro drug release profile. The films were further characterized with FTIR. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies revealed a broad band at 3286.34 cm-1 (OH) indicative of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between chitosan and PVA. The films were found to exhibit good tensile strength, flexibility and water uptake capacity relative to the concentration of PVA and cross-linker. Drug release studies via UV spectroscopic analysis shows that the observed rate involves diffusion process which is dependent on the film morphology with potential application as vehicles for drug delivery systems and wound dressing materials.