Effect of different crosslinking sequence on the performance of polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate artificial blood...

Due to the increasing number of cardiovascular disease patients and the rising incidence rates, global healthcare faces significant challenges. The development of small-diameter artificial blood vessels using a combination of polymers and biomaterials has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach. Polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) hydrogels were firstly prepared using a double crosslinking method, aimed at exploring and comparing the effects of different crosslinking sequence and PVA/SA concentration ratios on the properties of the hydrogels. Then, an assessment of the applicability of the hydrogel was provided through systematic mechanical performance tests, alongside water content and swelling rate measurements. Optimizing the crosslinking sequence and PVA/SA concentration can enhance the hydrogel's tensile and compressive strengths by over 20%, while maintaining water content of 85% and swelling ratio of approximately 120%. Taguchi and variance analyses determined the optimal PVA-SA concentration ratio to be 5-7 wt%. Finally, Microanalytical methods were employed to characterize the microstructural features of the materials, while biological assays were carried out to assess their biocompatibility. Eventually, the optimal crosslinking sequence for performance was determined. Based on this, in vitro dynamic coagulation tests were conducted, which verified that the selected material demonstrates favorable anticoagulant properties. This research not only enhanced the performance of PVA/SA composite hydrogels but also promoted their application in the field of vascular printing.