Aqueous solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) are blended and films are produced by casting method with the further intention of being used as bio-materials with latent medical application. Glutaraldehyde, 4,4'-diazido-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt tetra-hydrate are used as crosslinker agents, whereas lactic acid is the plasticizer in the blend. The obtained films are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical properties, swelling and solubility behavior. DSC measurements show that the blends exhibit a single glass transition temperature indicating that they are miscible, even in the presence of the plasticizer and crosslinker agents. By the combination of all mentioned additives, a relevant enhancement of the swelling is observed, accompanied by a stabilization of the solubility during the tested time. Finally, mechanical properties show an appropriate performance in the studied parameters. As a consequence, the obtained films could be suitable for use as medium or long-term implants. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013