Zeolite-Reinforced PVA/Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid Composite Films as Biocompatible Tissue Patches

Tissue patches are biomaterial-based structures designed to support the repair of damaged or functionally impaired tissues and are required to exhibit biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and suitable surface characteristics. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (Chi), and hyaluronic acid (HA)-based composite films reinforced with zeolite (0-0.5% w/v) were developed and evaluated as potential tissue patch materials. The incorporation of zeolite significantly influenced the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films. The elastic modulus decreased from 293.78 ± 64.47 N/mm² for the zeolite-free film to 106.21 ± 9.50 N/mm² at the highest zeolite content, indicating tunable flexibility. Water contact angle values increased from 46.09° to 67.23°, while maintaining overall hydrophilicity. The films exhibited rapid swelling behavior, reaching equilibrium within 30 min, and demonstrated controlled biodegradation with mass losses exceeding 75% after 42 days. Biological evaluations showed that all formulations maintained cell viability above 70%, with values ranging from 87.26% to 78.63%, and supported cell adhesion, confirming their biocompatible nature. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that low-concentration zeolite incorporation enables controlled tuning of mechanical, surface, and biological properties within a single PVA-Chi-HA system, without compromising biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of zeolite-reinforced composite films as multifunctional and customizable tissue patch candidates for tissue engineering applications.