786: Development and Characterization of Alginate-Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) Injectable Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Development and Characterization of Alginate-Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) Injectable Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Öykünaz Duranlar^a*, Simge Çetin^a, Ö. Zeynep Güner-Yılmaz^a, Anıl Yılmaz^a , Hanzade Açma^a, Serdar Yaman^a, F. Seniha Güner^a

^aIstanbul Technical University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul

^*duranlar24@itu.edu.tr

Alginate is a natural polysaccharide polymer that is widely used in medical applications due to its biocompatibility, good processability with ionic crosslinking ability, and environmental sustainability [1]. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) is a synthetic polymer with a high-water retention capacity, and good chemical stability and has various applications in the biomedical field [2]. This study aims to develop alginate and PVP-based injectable hydrogels for use in biomedical applications. Calcium ions were preferred as crosslinkers. The effects of three different crosslinker concentrations (0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.7%) and two different alginate concentrations (4% and 6%) on hydrogel properties are investigated. Additionally, a carbon-based material was incorporated into selected formulations to enhance mechanical performance and functional properties.

Surface morphology was studied via scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal properties via differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, swelling and degradation tests were performed to determine water retention capacity and structural integrity over time, while contact angle assessed surface wettability and hydrophilicity.

The findings suggest that divalent ion-mediated crosslinking, along with variations in alginate ratios and the presence of the carbon-based additive, plays a crucial role in modifying the mechanical properties, stability, and physicochemical behavior of the hydrogels. These results underscore the suitability of the developed hydrogels for biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine, where biocompatibility, controlled degradation, and mechanical robustness are essential.

References:

1)      Ji, D., Park, J.M., Oh, M.S. et al. Superstrong, superstiff, and conductive alginate hydrogels. Nat Commun 13, 3019 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30691-z

2)      Kuźmińska, A., Butruk-Raszeja, B. A., Stefanowska, A., & Ciach, T. (2020). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel coating for cylindrical polyurethane scaffolds. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 192, 111066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111066