Poly(vinyl alcohol)-amino acid hydrogels fabricated into tissue engineering scaffolds by colloidal gas aphron technology

Abstract

A new class of hydrogels made from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and amino acid was formed into porous tissue engineering scaffolds by the colloidal gas aphron (CGA) method. CGA microfoams are formed using high speed stirring to generate uniform, micrometer scale bubbles. CGAs offer several advantages over conventional scaffold fabrication techniques including room temperature processing, aqueous conditions and utilization of air bubbles to create uniform pores. This technique eliminates the need for toxic solvents and salt templates. In addition, the novel poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels are inherently strong, eliminating the need for crosslinkers.