Aug 2026· ACS Omega· Vol 11, pp. 51017-51033· 0 citations· 82 references
TL;DR
Overall, ZnONPs improved antibacterial activity, HAp provided the most favorable cytocompatibility and stability profile, while GONs showed a comparatively higher hemolytic response, highlighting the importance of nanoparticle selection in designing PVA/SA hydrogel scaffolds for tissue-contact applications.
Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) hydrogels are promising tissue-contact biomaterials; however, the comparative effects of different reinforcing nanoparticles within the same polymer matrix remain insufficiently clarified. This study aimed to compare the structural and biological performance of PVA/SA hydrogel scaffolds reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs) under identical preparation conditions. PVA/SA-based hydrogels were prepared using freeze–thaw processing and evaluated by electron microscopy, EDXS, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Their swelling behavior, in vitro mass loss in PBS, antibacterial activity, L929 fibroblast cytocompatibility, hemolytic activity, and blood clotting index (BCI) were also examined. The maximum swelling ratios were 3.70 for PVA/SA, 2.46 for PVA/SA/ZnONPs, 3.39 for PVA/SA/HAp, and 3.20 for PVA/SA/GONs. After 28 days, mass loss reached 13.1% for PVA/SA, 15.9% for PVA/SA/ZnONPs, 10.5% for PVA/SA/HAp, and 10.1% for PVA/SA/GONs. The MTT assay showed acceptable cytocompatibility in all groups, with L929 cell viability of 91.74 ± 3.49% for PVA/SA, 84.35 ± 2.68% for PVA/SA/ZnONPs, 95.28 ± 2.28% for PVA/SA/HAp, and 78.55 ± 6.15% for PVA/SA/GONs after 48 h. ZnO produced the most pronounced antibacterial effect, although the activity was moderate in absolute terms, reducing S. aureus by 34.6% and K. pneumoniae by 18.5%, while other formulations showed only marginal reductions (≤7%). Hemolysis values were 3.4% for PVA/SA, 1.8% for PVA/SA/ZnONPs, 1.9% for PVA/SA/HAp, and 6.3% for PVA/SA/GONs. At 5 min, BCI values were 34.22%, 54.89%, 52.74%, and 8.7%, respectively. Overall, ZnONPs improved antibacterial activity, HAp provided the most favorable cytocompatibility and stability profile, while GONs showed a comparatively higher hemolytic response. These findings highlight the importance of nanoparticle selection in designing PVA/SA hydrogel scaffolds for tissue-contact applications.
This study examines the physicochemical properties of a hydrogel composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bacterial cellulose (BC), modified with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) previously synthesised via green methods using Lactobacillus acidophilus UCM B-2691. The effects of composition on moisture content, sorption behavior, and moisture desorption were assessed, and the density of the obtained samples was investigated. Increasing the bacterial cellulose content in hydrogels enhances their hydrophilicity, water-holding capacity, and sorption properties. The incorporated AgNPs are not released from the hydrogels and do not exhibit antimicrobial activity; instead, they promote the formation of a more porous, structurally stable network, which enhances sorption and lowers density. PVA/BC hydrogels containing 40–60% BC and AgNPs showed the best overall performance, combining high hydrophilicity, structural stability, and porosity. The results indicate the high potential of these hydrogel systems for biomedical technologies, particularly in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Mykola Fedko, I. Liashok, Volodymyr Khomenko et al.· Journal of Biomimetics, Biom...· 0 citations
In this study, novel 3D bioprinted composite scaffolds were developed using Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CS), sodium alginate (Alg), and turmeric (Tur) to investigate their potential as advanced bioactive platforms for wound healing and drug delivery. The scaffolds were fabricated via extrusion-based bioprinting, where rheological analysis confirmed a distinct shear-thinning behavior and a robust storage modulus (G') of approximately 12.5 kPa, ensuring high-fidelity layered architecture. SEM analysis revealed highly organized, interconnected porous structures with average pore diameters of 150-300 μm, suitable for cellular infiltration. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the PVA/CS-Alg/Tur composite reached a superior tensile strength of ∼58 MPa and an elastic modulus of 793.65 MPa, representing the highest stiffness and durability among all formulations due to synergistic double-crosslinking. Physical stability tests showed a controlled swelling factor of 162% and a sustained degradation profile, with only 18.5% mass loss after 14 days. Crucially, mathematical modelling of in vitro release kinetics identified the PVA/CS-Alg/Tur system as the most effective delivery platform, exhibiting an excellent fit to the Zero-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9852) and achieving a sustained turmeric release of 53.77% over 7.5 days. Furthermore, the scaffolds demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, reaching 78.4% DPPH radical scavenging efficiency. Biological evaluations using L929 and MC3T3 cell lines confirmed the non-toxic nature of the scaffolds, with the PVA/CS-Alg/Tur group supporting significantly higher cell viability (above 70% at 1:8 ratio) and enhanced proliferation compared to pure PVA. Overall, these quantitative findings confirm that the newly developed PVA/CS-Alg/Tur biocomposite is a promising candidate for safe and effective biomedical applications, particularly in the treatment of chronic inflammatory wounds and controlled drug delivery systems.
Unknown authors· Journal of The Mechanical Be...· 0 citations
Hydrogel patches are promising platforms for transdermal drug delivery; however, their clinical applicability is often limited by excessive swelling, which compromises adhesion stability and may provoke tissue inflammation. Herein, we report the incorporation of kaolin nanosheets (NKLS) and kaolin nanoscrolls (NKLC) into chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA)-based hydrogels to concurrently suppress swelling, augment interfacial interactions, and reconstruct drug storage microdomains. Compared to the pristine CS/PVA control, the CS/NKLC/PVA patch demonstrated a 139.91% higher BET surface area and a significantly lower swelling ratio of 18.74% in PBS (pH 6.0), which corresponds to a 63.59% reduction. Both CS/NKLS/PVA and CS/NKLC/PVA patches exhibited excellent mechanical properties. Compared with the pristine CS/PVA control, their adhesive stress was increased by 26.48% and 16.55%, respectively, and both patches maintained stable adhesion after 10 peeling-adhesion cycles. Drug release rates reached 82.37% and 86.78% for the respective patches, with Fickian diffusion identified as the dominant release mechanism. The incorporation of nanokaolin resulted in a denser crosslinked network that restricted chain relaxation and subsequent swelling. Additionally, NKLS introduced additional interfaces and adsorption sites, increasing the tortuosity of drug diffusion pathways, while the hollow tubular structure of NKLC provided enhanced drug storage space and diffusion channels. Furthermore, both CS/NKLS/PVA and CS/NKLC/PVA patches exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, these nanokaolin-modified hydrogel patches demonstrate substantial potential for transdermal drug delivery and wound dressing applications.
Zuyong Zhang, Yingying Qiang, Jiawei Zhang et al.· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
A polyacrylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel fabricated via self‐catalyzed free radical polymerization, with borax serving as the reinforcing phase, achieves synergistic antibacterial and intelligent responsive therapeutic performances, providing a reliable and high‐efficiency candidate for advanced wound care and next‐generation wound dressing applications.
Lin-Han Hu, Zheng Yang, Xin-Wei Tao et al.· Macromolecular Bioscience· 0 citations
This work presents a mechanically robust, highly efficient, and exceptionally safe light-activated platform for advanced wound dressing applications and demonstrates strict biosafety without collateral phototoxicity.
