Poly (vinyl alcohol)-alginate as potential matrix for various applications: A focused review

Advances in polymers have made significant contribution in diverse application oriented fields. Multidisciplinary applicability of polymers generates a range of strategies, which is pertinent in a wide range of fields. Blends of natural and synthetic polymers have spawned a different class of materials with synergistic effects. Specifically, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and alginate (AG) blends (PVAG) have demonstrated some promising results in almost every segment, ranging from biomedical to industrial sector. Combination of PVAG with other materials, immobilization with specific moieties and physical and chemical crosslinking could result in amendments in the structure and properties of the PVAG matrices. Here, we provide an overview of the recent developments in designing PVAG based matrix and complexes with their structural and functional properties. The article also provides a comprehensive outline on the applicability of PVAG matrix in wastewater treatment, biomedical, photocatalysis, food packaging, and fuel cells and sheds light on the challenges that need to be addressed. Finally, the review elaborates the future prospective of PVAG matrices in other unexplored fields like aircraft industry, nuclear science and space exploration.