PVA-Based Hydrogels Loaded with Diclofenac for Cartilage Replacement

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels show promise for cartilage replacement and drug delivery due to biocompatibility and stability.
• Current PVA hydrogels require property enhancement for optimal performance in these applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel PVA-based hydrogels with improved tribomechanical properties.
• To achieve controlled release of diclofenac (DFN) from these hydrogels.
• To evaluate the suitability of modified PVA hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Four PVA hydrogel variations were synthesized using freeze-thawing: PVA, PVA/PAA, PVA/PAA+PEG, and PVA/PAA+PEG+A (annealed).
• Characterization included morphology, water uptake, mechanical, rheological, and tribological testing.
• Diclofenac (DFN) release kinetics and material biocompatibility (irritability) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Polyacrylic acid (PAA) addition increased swelling and DFN release.
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) immersion improved structural compactness and tribomechanical performance.
• Annealing resulted in superior mechanical properties, a low friction coefficient, and sustained DFN release over 3 days.
• The best-performing material showed no signs of irritability.

Conclusions:

• Modified PVA hydrogels, particularly the annealed version, offer enhanced properties for cartilage repair and drug delivery.
• The developed hydrogels demonstrate potential for biomedical applications requiring controlled drug release and good mechanical integrity.
• The annealing process is a key step in optimizing PVA hydrogel performance for tissue engineering and local drug delivery systems.