unique mechanical properties that can be tuned to closely match those of soft
tissues, thus making it an attractive candidate for biomedical and especially medical
device applications. We review the freeze–thaw cycling process and processing
parameters that impact on the properties of PVA-C and its nanocomposite products.
Both the mechanical properties and diffusion properties relevant to biomedical
application are discussed. Applications to orthopedic and cardiovascular devices
are summarized and discussed. The concept of biomaterial–tissue hybrids that can
impart the necessary hemocompatibility to PVA-C for cardiovascular device is
introduced and demonstrated.
Keywords Poly(vinyl alcohol) • Physical crosslinking • Cryogel • Medical device
• Controlled release
List of Abbreviations
BC
Bacterial cellulose
BSA
Bovine serum albumin
DMSO
Dimethyl sulfoxide
DP
Degree of polymerization
E
0
Young’s modulus
FITC
Fluorescein isothiocyanate
FT
Freeze–thaw
FTC
Freeze–thaw cycle
WIC
Water insoluble chitosan
IVD
Intervertebral disc
Nano-HA
Nanohydroxyapatite
NP
Nucleus pulposus
PAAm
Poly(acrylamide)
PEG
Poly(ethylene glycol)
PVA
Poly(vinyl alcohol)
PVA-C
Poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel
PVA-BC
Poly(vinyl alcohol) bacterial cellulose composite
PVP
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone
RGD
Arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid
SANS
Small-angle neutron scattering
TEM
Transmission electron microscopy
UHMWPE Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
ULMP
Unfrozen liquid microphase
WSC
Water-soluble chitosan
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