Fibrin-gelatin composite (PFG) films were prepared and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde as reported by us previously. These composites were graft-copolymerized with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA) with a potassium persulfate and sodium metabisulfite redox initiation system. The graft copolymers (PFG-HEMA and PFG-HPAM) were characterized for their percentage of grafting, percentage of equilibrium water content, and percentages of free water and bound water. The chemical composition and thermal, mechanical, morphological, and surface characteristics were also evaluated. The optimum conditions for obtaining a maximum percentage of grafting were standardized. PFG and its graft copolymers exhibited higher equilibrium water contents ranging from 60 to 77% when compared with those of HEMA and HPMA homopolymers. DSC studies revealed increased freezing water contents and decreased bound-water contents for the graft copolymers when compared with those of PFG alone. These properties improved the efficacy of hydrogels. PFG demonstrated better mechanical properties as compared with its graft copolymers. This may be attributed to the alkaline reaction conditions wherein protein hydrolysis of PFG would have occurred thereby reducing the overall strength of the graft copolymers. IR and scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed the grafting of PHEMA and PHPMA onto PFG. Contact-angle studies revealed increased polarity for graft copolymers, which is a symbol for increased hydrophilicity. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.