Characterization of a novel semi-interpenetrating hydrogel network fabricated by polyethylene glycol diacrylate/polyvinyl alcohol/tragacanth gum as a wound dressing

[Display omitted] •Semi-IPN networks of PEGDA/PVA/ TG were synthesized as wound dressing by thermal crosslinking of PEGDA chains in the presence of PVA and TG.•The network films showed no cytotoxicity against L929 cells in MTT assay.•PEGDA/PVA/TG networks have the potential of being used as promising substrates in wound dressing application. In this research, a novel semi-interpenetrating hydrogel network comprised of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/tragacanth gum (TG) with adaptable mechanical, biological, and physical characteristics was fabricated for wound healing purposes. The chemical structure of the films and the surface morphology were examined by FTIR and SEM, respectively. In addition, swelling ratio, mechanical characteristics, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), gel fraction, and degradability of the hydrogels were assessed. To evaluate their cytocompatibility, MTT assay and cell attachment studies were performed. The FTIR results showed that the vinyl peaks were eliminated during crosslinking between PEGDA chains. The results also showed that incorporating PVA into the networks increases the swelling ration and decreases the porosity. Furthermore, as the ratio of PEGDA to PVA increased, WVTR ratio, cell adhesion, and elongation of the networks increased. It was also found that, when the amount of PEGDA reduced, degradation rate of the networks decreased. The results verified the non-toxic nature of PEGDA/PVA/TG hydrogel networks. Finally, the antibacterial results demonstrated that the highest antibacterial activities against bacterial pathogens is related to the TG-containing film. Therefore, PEGDA/PVA/TG hydrogel networks can be favorable wound dressings.