In this work, alginate(AG)/chitosan(CS)/lovastatin(LS)(AG/CS/LS) composite films using polycaprolactone (PCL) as acompatibilizer were prepared by solution method with the ratio of AG/CS and LS content fixed at 4/1 and 10 wt.% (in comparison with the total weight of CS and AG), respectively. The PCL content was varied at 3, 5 and 10 wt.% (wt./wt., calculated on basis of total weight of AG, CS and LS). | Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 56 (4A) (2018) 13-21 EFFECT OF POLYCAPROLACTONE ON CHARACTERISTICS AND MORPHOLOGY OF ALGINATE/CHITOSAN/LOVASTATIN COMPOSITE FILMS Nguyen Thuy Chinh1, *, Thach Thi Loc2, Le Duc Giang2, Ngo Phuong Thuy3, Vu Thi Hien4, Thai Hoang1, 5, * 1 Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18, Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi 2 Vinh University, 182 Le Duan, Vinh City, Nghe An 3 Hanoi Pedagogical University 2, No. 32, Nguyen Van Linh, Xuan Hoa, Vinh Phuc 4 Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, 236 B Le Van Sy, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City 5 Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi * Email: ntchinh@; hoangth@ Received: 10 July 2018; Accepted for publication: 2 October 2018 ABSTRACT In this work, alginate(AG)/chitosan(CS)/lovastatin(LS)(AG/CS/LS) composite films using polycaprolactone (PCL) as acompatibilizer were prepared by solution method with the ratio of AG/CS and LS content fixed at 4/1 and 10 wt.% (in comparison with the total weight of CS and AG), respectively. The PCL content was varied at 3, 5 and 10 wt.% (wt./wt., calculated on basis of total weight of AG, CS and LS). The role of PCL as a compatibilizer was determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry methods. PCL was found to enhance the compatibility, interaction, and dispersion of CS, AG and LS. The structure of the composite films became more uniform and tight; LS rods were more uniformly dispersed in the AG, CS polymer mixture. The influence of PCL content on the drug release from the composite filmswas also investigated. Keywords: compatibility, polycaprolactone, lovastatin, alginate, solution method. 1. INTRODUCTION Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable petroleum-based polymer. It has a semicrystalline structure .
