The swelling behavior of chitosan hydrogels membranes obtained by UV- and γ-radiation

In order to develop a non toxicity and biocompatible hydrogel system with potential ability in biotechnology based on membranes of polyethylene glycol (PEG 300 and 400) and chitosan were prepared under ultraviolet light (UV) and γ-radiation curing, at room temperature. The hydrogels were characterized by FTIR spectroscopic, UV absorption spectroscopy, thermal analysis and scanning electronic microscopy. The swelling behaviors were investigated in terms of time of swelling, irradiation time, and pH. The hydrogel with PEG 300 showed unusual swelling behavior.