Development of Chitosan: PVA/PEG Polymer Blends for Skin Graft Applications

Skin grafting is a widely used technique for treating extensive skin injuries such as chronic ulcers, wounds, and burns. Traditional grafting techniques face various challenges, including limited availability, risk of infection, donor site morbidity, and immune rejection. Due to their tailored properties, synthetic skin grafts offer a promising alternative solution to these challenges. This study aims to fabricate polymer blends by integrating the bioactivity of chitosan, derived from natural polymer (chitin), with the mechanical resilience of synthetic polymers—poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Two Polymer blends, 30CHI:70(PVA/PEG) and 20CHI:80(PVA/PEG), were prepared through physical crosslinking. The pH‐responsive and hydrophilic behavior of the blends was evaluated in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) solution to mimic physiological conditions. Different characterization tests, including tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), pH sensitivity, contact angle, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and thermal analysis, revealed that the 20CHI:80(PVA/PEG) blend demonstrated mechanical resilience, superior hydrophilicity, and pH responsiveness compared to other blends. This polymer also exhibited low shrinkage, controlled swelling, and excellent biocompatibility, making it a suitable candidate for skin graft applications. However, in vivo evaluations are needed to further validate the clinical potential of this blend. The findings of this study highlight the potential of material integration for developing biocompatible, versatile, and viable polymer blends for advanced tissue engineering applications.