The aim of this study was to describe the mechanical features of homogeneous and layered chitosan (Ch) and fibrinchitosan (FbCh) membranes as well the kinetics of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) release from five types of polymer carriers. Composites in the form of a film containing physiologically clotted fibrin (Fb) and microcrystalline chitosan (MCCh) were prepared and then crosslinked with calcium chloride. The films were characterized by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mechanical tests (film thickness, maximal tensile force, breaking strength, and elongation at break), and SEM images. The results reveal that Ch film demonstrates higher efficiency in binding TGF-beta 1 and, at the same time, is less effective in its release1.25% of the total amount between 6 h and 14 days. However, the Fb membrane binds TGF-beta 1 not as strongly, which leads to more effective release of the compound25% after 6 h and 28.98% of the total amount after 14 days. The factor TGF-beta 1 is released in vitro from FbCh membranes with different kinetics. The most efficient release of TGF-beta 1 was observed in the case of the layered FbCh (M4 L) membrane (after 14 days it reached a maximal value of 14.08% of the total amount). The release was lower with increasing Ch concentrations in the film, suggesting a high affinity of TGF-beta 1 with the FbCh component. The FbCh membrane with incorporated TGF-beta 1 may prove to be a very useful scaffold in the tissue regeneration process. This study demonstrates that Fb and MCCh gels could be used as carrier matrices for the controlled release of bioactive TGF-beta 1. It was found that the degree of TGF-beta 1 release from the membrane is influenced by the physiochemical and mechanical characteristics of the films and by its affinity to growth factor TGF-beta 1. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013