Preparation and properties of physically cross-linked PVA/pectin hydrogels blended at different ratios for wound dressings

Abstract

In the present study, we fabricated composite polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and pectin hydrogels with different blend ratios using a freeze–thaw method. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PVA/pectin hydrogels had a porous structure, with the porosity increasing from 82.8% ± 0.5% to 93.2% ± 0.3% with an increase in the pectin content. In addition, with the addition of pectin, the gel fraction of the hydrogel decreased and the swelling ability increased compared with PVA. Of the fabricated hydrogels, the hydrogel with the 9:1 PVA/pectin ratio had the highest compressive strength (684 ± 62 kPa) and G′ value (~1014 kPa). Based on cytotoxicity studies, none of the fabricated hydrogels showed cytotoxicity against HDF or HaCaT cells. These results indicate that varying the pectin content can be used to control the mechanical characterization, porosity, and swelling ability of composite PVA/pectin hydrogels, which are thus promising candidates for use as wound dressings. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.