Synthesis of a New Double Network Hydrogel with High Mechanical Properties Based on Chitosan and Poly (vinyl alcohol)

Double network hydrogels are interpenetrated network polymers. These DN hydrogels are composed of two networks. The first network is densely crosslinked and the second one is loosely crosslinked. These novel hydrogels have an excellent mechanical behavior such as toughness, and hardness, while they are truly stretchable. As they are biocompatible, they can be used in tissue engineering. In this project, we used chitosan and PVA, as the first and second network respectively. Also, sodium phosphate and freeze-thaw cycles used as the physical crosslinking. The mechanical behaviors and biocompatibility of these DN hydrogel have been investigated.

Keywords:

DN hydrogels , PVA , Chitosan