Facile crosslinking of PVA scaffolds using quercetin for biomaterial applications

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is water soluble and biodegradable polymer known for its biocompatibility, low protein adhesion and minimal toxicity. However, inadequate mechanical stability limits its usage in various biomedical applications. This study explored the usage of quercetin as a promising crosslinking agent for PVA to significantly improve mechanical strength and water resistance. PVA was crosslinked with four concentrations of quercetin in ratios (1:0.005, 1:0.01, 1:0.015, 1:0.02 w/w). Scaffolds of uniform thickness (0.5 mm) were prepared using freeze-drying technique. The crosslinking efficiency and durability of PVA and PVA-quercetin scaffolds were studied based on residual weight ratio upon swelling, Thermogravimetric, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. Results indicate PVA-quercetin (1:0.02) showed better crosslinking efficiency with enhanced stability when compared with uncross-linked PVA which was further confirmed by the reduction in hydroxyl peak at 3200 cm−1. Further, the present work describes the facile methodology to crosslink PVA for developing a biomaterial with the potential antioxidant ability of quercetin.