Tunable Properties via Composition Modulations of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Xanthan Gum/Oxalic Acid Hydrogels |
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Authors: | Alin Alexandru Enache Diana Serbezeanu Tchi Vlad-Bubulac Alina-Mirela Ipate Dana Mihaela Suflet Mioara Drobot Mihaela Barblat-Mndru Radu Mihail Udrea Cristina Mihaela Rîmbu |
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Institution: | 1.Apel Laser, Street Vanatorilor 25, Mogosoaia, 077135 Ilfov, Romania; (A.A.E.); (R.M.U.);2.“Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (T.V.-B.); (A.-M.I.); (D.M.S.); (M.D.); (M.B.-M.);3.Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveanu Alley no. 8, 700490 Iasi, Romania |
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Abstract: | The design of hydrogel networks with tuned properties is essential for new innovative biomedical materials. Herein, poly(vinyl alcohol) and xanthan gum were used to develop hydrogels by the freeze/thaw cycles method in the presence of oxalic acid as a crosslinker. The structure and morphology of the obtained hydrogels were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and swelling behavior. The SEM analysis revealed that the surface morphology was mostly affected by the blending ratio between the two components, namely, poly(vinyl alcohol) and xanthan gum. From the swelling study, it was observed that the presence of oxalic acid influenced the hydrophilicity of blends. The hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) without xanthan gum led to structures with a smaller pore diameter, a lower swelling degree in pH 7.4 buffer solution, and a higher elastic modulus. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared hydrogels was tested and the results showed that the hydrogels conferred antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus 25923 ATCC) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli 25922 ATCC). |
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Keywords: | hydrogels poly(vinyl alcohol) xanthan gum swelling behavior mechanical properties antimicrobial activity |
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