Synthesis and Characterization of Glutaraldehyde-Crosslinked PEG-PVA Biodegradable Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications

Tissue engineering provides a promising approach to addressing the global shortage of organ and tissue donors by developing biological substitutes that can restore or enhance tissue function. This study presents the development and characterization of PEG-PVA biodegradable hydrogels, synthesized through chemical crosslinking with varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde, for tissue engineering applications. Mechanical, thermal, and structural properties were systematically analyzed to determine the optimal formulation for different applications. Hydrogels synthesized with 0.10g and 0.15g of glutaraldehyde were selected for detailed evaluation. The hydrogel with 0.10g glutaraldehyde exhibited a tensile strength of 1200 MPa, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of ～50°C, and a swelling ratio of 7.65, demonstrating superior mechanical robustness and thermal stability for load-bearing applications such as bone and cartilage regeneration. In contrast, the hydrogel with 0.15g glutaraldehyde, with a tensile strength of 1000 MPa, a Tg of 45°C, and a swelling ratio of 4.49, showed greater flexibility and a denser microstructure, making it more suitable for soft tissue applications requiring controlled degradation. These results underscore the importance of tailoring crosslinking density to optimize hydrogel performance for specific biomedical applications. Future studies should explore the behavior of these hydrogels in biologically relevant environments, including enzymatic degradation and in vivo testing. With further development, PEG-PVA hydrogels could play a key role in regenerative medicine, offering customizable mechanical and degradation properties for diverse clinical applications.