In order to overcome the biological deficiencies of synthetic polymers
and to enhance the mechanical characteristics of natural polymers, tw
o synthetic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid)
(PAA) were blended, in different ratios, with two biological polymers
, collagen (C) and hyaluronic acid (HA). These blends were used to pre
pare films, sponges and hydrogels which were loaded with growth hormon
e (GH) to investigate their potential use as drug delivery systems. Th
e GH release was monitored in vitro using a specific enzyme-linked imm
unosorbent assay. The results show that GH can be released from HA/PAA
sponges and from HA/PVA and C/PVA hydrogels. The initial GH concentra
tion used for sample loading affected the total quantity of GH release
d but not the pattern of release. The rate and quantity of GH released
was significantly dependent on the HA or C content of the polymers.