Poly (vinyl alcohol) and hyaluronic acid hydrogels as potential biomaterial systems - A comprehensive review

Hydrogels are considered to be potential biomaterials since they contain maximum content of water that resembles human body. Many natural and synthetic polymers have been suggested to be used as biomaterials for their potential applications in bio-medicine and drug delivery systems. Natural polymers and poly saccharides hydrogels are excellent biomaterials but will have poor mechanical properties. On the other hand, synthetic polymer hydrogels could overcome the problem of mechanical and viscoelastic properties, but will have poorer biodegradability. To have moderate mechanical properties and good biodegradability, synthetic and natural polymers can be combined to form hydrogels that could serve as excellent biomaterials. The rheological properties of these materials could act as clues to measure the viscoelasticity and strength. This review presents the important hydrogels made of poly-saccharides and synthetic polymers along with their applications and rheological properties. Hydrogels of poly (vinyl alcohol) and hyaluronic acid were given much emphasis and discussed in detail about their applications and properties in recent times.