The cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite foam

Abstract

Polymeric foams are widely used for medical applications especially in terms of bio-scaffolds. This article tries to indicate a new methodology in fabrication of PVA-based composite scaffolds using esterification and formalizing methods simultaneously to improve scaffolds’ water resistivity and their relative mechanical (up to 6.5 MPa in plateau stress) and biomedical properties. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are also added as a secondary agent to improve scaffolds’ water absorbance (in range of 58–71%), water uptake (from 5.9 to 9.1 times of initial weight) and bioactivity. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy was used to prove the formation of new chemical bonds between the chains of PVA and HA nanoparticles. In addition, scanning electron microscope images were employed to investigate the pore size of fabricated scaffolds in addition to using liquid absorbance method to measure the volume fraction of pores in scaffolds. SEM images also showed that biodegradability has taken place due to degradation of scaffolds under body simulated liquids in 37 °C. The presence of HA nanoparticles in scaffolds’ structure caused an improvement in their bioactivity by showing the formation of new HA contents on polymeric matrix. Keywords: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Hydroxyapatite (HA), Biomedical foam, Fabrication and properties