PVA-Based Composite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

In recent years, innovations in functional hydrogel technology have led to significant breakthroughs in the healthcare sector. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels, owing to their multiple properties, have become ideal materials for biomedical applications. Although previous studies and reviews have summarized the preparation methods and applications of PVA hydrogels, they largely remain descriptive and lack systematic analysis of the relationships between crosslinking strategies, network structures, multifunctional properties, and application requirements. To address these issues, this review comparatively analyzes how different crosslinking strategies influence the network structure and performance of PVA hydrogels. It reveals the roles of crosslinking mechanisms in regulating key properties such as conductivity, mechanical properties, self-healing capability, and anti-swelling resistance. Based on application demands, this review systematically analyzes the specific combinations of properties required for PVA-based hydrogels in biomarker detection, rehabilitation monitoring, wound dressings, drug delivery, and physiological signal monitoring. It further reveals design strategies for achieving performance matching through structural design. By linking crosslinking strategies, functional properties, and biomedical applications, this review provides guidance for the rational design of multifunctional PVA-based hydrogels for smart medical systems.