Poly(vinyl alcohol) films crosslinked by glutaraldehyde under mild conditions

Abstract

The use of mild conditions to perform the entrapment of biomolecules in polymeric matrices is a crucial step in a broad range of applications as biosensors, biocarrier-mediated facilitated transport membranes, and drug-controlled release devices. In this study, we investigated the crosslinking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by glutaraldehyde in the absence of an acid catalyst and organic solvents to improve the water resistance of the hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. Glutaraldehyde was chosen as the crosslinking agent because it favors the intermolecular reaction with PVA and is able to bind nonspecifically to proteins. The effects of the temperature and glutaraldehyde content on the thermal and structural properties of the PVA films were examined. Membranes prepared at 40C showed a maximum crosslinking density for low glutaraldehyde content namely, 0.04 wt % in the spreading solution. Higher amounts of the crosslinker led to the branching of PVA. The increase in membrane thermal properties and reduction in crystallinity were ascribed to the crosslinking treatment, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The oxygen permeability of the films was reduced up to 2.7 times, which indicated that the crosslinking of the polymer was successfully accomplished. V

Keratin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Blend Films Cross-Linked by Dialdehyde Starch and Their Potential Application for Drug Release

“…To improve the mechanical properties, moisture sensitivity, and thermal stability of these protein/PVA blend films, the polymers were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde interacts with both PVA and the protein and binds them together [20,25]. However, there are always concerns about the toxicity of glutaraldehyde residuals in materials, which limits the application of glutaraldehyde in the biomaterial and food packing industries [26].…”

Myoglobin entrapment in poly(vinyl alcohol) dense membranes

“…This task was investigated by promoting the reaction in acid free medium and in the absence of organic solvent. The crosslinking of PVA in such conditions was accomplished in a former work (Figueiredo et al, 2009). The existence of an optimum GA/PVA ratio was shown for the reaction conducted at 40 °C.…”

“…In the absence of metmyoglobin, the lowest water swelling degree of GA-modified PVA membranes was reached for a GA/PVA mass ratio of 0.01 g/g. Membrane swelling was (44 + 5)% (Figueiredo et al, 2009).…”

Fabrication and Characterization of Biodegradable Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Blends

“…Some chemical cross-linking agents used for poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan are formaldehyde [21,22], acetaldehyde [23], glutaraldehyde [24], epichlorohydrine [25], genipin [26], glyoxal [27], ascorbic acid [28], etc. and physical cross linking agents are methanol, ethanol, γ-radiation induced cross linking, γ-radiation followed by freeze-thawing [29,30] etc.…”