Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering

Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering

Comparison of the Properties of PVA/ZnO Hydrogels Prepared by Different Methods for Biological Applications

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Azin Paydayesh 1
Elnaz Farzin Far 2
Fatemeh Arabgol 3
1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Mahs.C, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr, Iran
2 Department of Polymer Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Mahshahr, Iran
3 Department of Chemical and Marerials, Materials and Polymer Engineering, Boein Zahra, Technical University, Boein Zahra, Qazvin, Iran
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Considering the increasing need for biocompatible materials in medicine, designing hydrogels with optimal mechanical and biological properties has become important. Polymeric hydrogels, such as polyvinyl alcohol, are widely used in medical applications due to their biocompatibility, high swelling capacity, and mechanical properties similar to those of body tissues. Incorporating nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide, can further enhance their properties. In this study, for the first time, the effect of different physical crosslinking methods and the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the mechanical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels was investigated.
Materials and Methods: Nanocomposite hydrogels containing different percentages of zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by two different physical methods, with and without a cross-linking agent. A combination of these two methods was also used. The morphology and structure of the hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical properties and biocompatibility were evaluated by tensile testing and cell viability measurement for biological applications.
Results: The hydrogel containing 15% zinc oxide nanoparticles, prepared with the cross-linking agent and the freeze–thaw method, showed the highest tensile strength (37.5 MPa), elongation at break (55%), storage modulus (23 MPa), and cell viability (70%). The microscopic images and spectroscopy results indicated the formation of a strong hydrogel network and strong hydrogen bonds, which improved the mechanical and biological properties. In addition, increasing the percentage of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhanced the biocompatibility of the samples.
Conclusion: A suitable combination of the preparation method and the amount of zinc oxide nanoparticles can improve the mechanical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels and make these materials suitable for medical and biological applications.
Keywords
Nanocomposite hydrogel
Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO)
Freeze–thaw
Sodium chloride–glycerol
Biological applications
Subjects
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Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 April 2026

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