Physical cross-linking of starch hydrogel by short cycles of cooling and heating in the presence of glycerol for potential use as dermal dressing

This study focused on developing films from physically cross-linked starch hydrogel with glycerol, utilizing short cooling and heating cycles to enhance cross-linking via the freeze-thaw process. Characterization revealed that 30% glycerol promoted physical cross-linking, further intensified by the thermal cycles, leading to increased film density (AG-R1, AG-R2, and AG-R4). The films demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties for reparative dressings, including easy handling, flexibility, high swelling capacity, water vapor permeability, and low solubility. Notably, the AG-R2 film exhibited the most significant changes, showing increased density and reduced thickness. This indicates a distinct morphology compared to the other films, suggesting an entanglement that restricts solvent molecules (water) incorporation during testing.