Rethikala, PKKalliyana, KV2017-03-102017-03-10201530 ,1;74-8610.1177/0883911514558543https://dspace.sctimst.ac.in/handle/123456789/10230Polymeric hydrogel systems based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), and poly(ethylene glycol) were prepared by photopolymerization using 2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide as the photoinitiator. The structural details, morphology, and crystallinity were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The fluid uptake of the hydrogels was measured using swelling analysis. Based on a hemolysis assay, the prepared hydrogels were non-hemolytic. No attachment of fibroblasts to the hydrogel systems was observed. Stress-strain results indicated that the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), and poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel system (85:10:5) possessed better mechanical properties. Cytotoxic assessment by direct contact method of 85:10:5 systems found that the hydrogel was non-cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts. This hydrophilic polymer system has a potential for wound dressing applications.Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology; Materials Science; Polymer Science