Enhancing the performance of nanostructured PVA/SA scaffolds through incorporation of macromolecules: From synergistic effects to advanced multifunctionalities

(A) Schematic representation of PVA/SA fibrous matrix scaffolds reinforced with collagen (COL) or hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules. The cross-linking process illustrates the interactions between the functional groups of COL (inset I) or HA (inset II) with the matrix forming additional H-bonds. (B) Nanoindentation results show a significant stiffness enhancement in reinforced systems with high SA content. • Collagen reinforcement yields stiff material with high nanohardness. • Hyaluronic acid reinforcement results in a softer material with increased modulus. • Reinforced systems have a protective effect on degradation and raised crystallinity. • H-bonds induced by collagen or hyaluronic acid increase scaffold swelling ratio. The increasing use of biomaterial scaffolds in tissue engineering applications demands a comprehensive understanding and precise control of their overall properties. This work analyzes the synergy of naturally occurring biological macromolecules on the swelling, and thermal and mechanical properties of ionically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) fibrous scaffolds. The presence of collagen (COL) or hyaluronic acid (HA) contributed not only to increasing the hydrogen-bond density but also to induce the crystalline PVA phase formation. Consequently, the swelling, thermal degradation, elastic modulus, and nanohardness of the scaffolds were significantly enhanced. By considering COL and HA the relevance in diverse cellular processes and tissue functions, the PVA-scaffolds here introduced are promising materials by providing advanced multifunctionalities.