Anisotropic hydrogels

摘要

Anisotropic hydrogels including poly(vinyl alcohol) and which have physical cross-links so as to form materials which exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties characteristic of soft biological tissues wherein the anisotropic hydrogel may be used for tissue reconstruction and/or replacement including vessels, arteries, valve components, cartilage, ligaments, skin, and other medical uses such as stents, medical phantoms, contact lenses, bandages, and the like.

主权项

1. An anisotropic hydrogel made up of physical cross-links and exhibiting at least one anisotropic mechanical property, the hydrogel formed by the process comprising the steps of:
a) preparing a solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) with a pre-selected concentration; b) thermally cycling the solution by freezing and thawing to obtain a PVA hydrogel; c) stretching the hydrogel; and d) thermally cycling the hydrogel at least one more time while stretching the hydrogel.