An Innovative Approach to Wound Dressings: Citric Acid Cross-linked Carboxymethylcellulose-Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels with Variable Pore Sizes

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels were fabricated with varying concentrations of CMC. The hydrogels underwent cross-linking using non-toxic and biocompatible citric acid (CA) in combination with the freeze-thaw technique. FTIR analysis confirmed the hydrogels' chemical structures, while SEM characterization determined their pore diameters and porosity ratios. Hydrogels with diverse porosities exhibited suitable pore diameters for skin cells. Moreover, the hydrogels demonstrated a high swelling capacity, and the augmentation of CMC content resulted in increased water retention capacity. Their water vapor transmission, combined with their swelling properties, highlights their potential as suitable materials for use in wound dressings. These biopolymer-based hydrogels show promise for various applications, including wound dressings and biomimetic artificial skin, effectively replicating the properties of the epidermis and dermis.