Characterization of prepared corn starch-based hydrogel membranes

The design and development of novel hydrogel membranes prepared by crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol with heat-treated cornstarch (CS) and CS suspensions was attempted. Degradation studies of the hydrogel membranes were conducted using á -amylase. The mechanical property of the hydrogel membranes was characterized by tensile tests. The swelling behavior of the membranes was also evaluated. Methyl tetrazolium assay of the membranes was performed using mice splenocytes and the L929 cell line to establish cytocompatibility. The membranes had sufficient strength and water holding capacity. The membrane was found to be biocompatible with L929 fibroblast cells and mice splenocytes.