Radiation-modified natural polymers for biomedical applications

60Co gamma radiation was employed to induce crosslinking in natural polymers. Irradiation of natural rubber latex in the presence of n-butyl acrylate (nBA) as sensitizer, resulted in the crosslinking of rubber molecules to form radiation-vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL). The radiation-induced crosslinking is dependent on radiation dose and concentration of nBA. RVNRL may be used in the preparation of dipped latex products. A hydrogel blend from kappa-carrageenan (KC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) via radiation crosslinking was prepared. Blending of KC with low molecular weight (LPEO) and medium molecular weight polyethylene oxide (MPEO) resulted in a composite hydrogel system with better properties in terms of gel content, gel strength and swelling properties. The hydrogel blends may be developed into a topical wound dressing, a matrix for controlled release system, and for immobilization of cell, enzymes and antibodies. (Author)