REVIEW ARTICLE ABOUT POLYVINYL ALCOHOL REACTIONS

Abstract

PVA hydrogels can be utilized as a vascular "shield" or adhesion barrier during surgical procedures in order to mitigate complications. Moreover, based on available literature, there are no cytotoxic, mutagenic, or systemic toxic effects associated with PVA hydrogel materials. Additionally, PVA exhibits environmental friendliness as it can be degraded by certain microbial enzymes. To produce PVA hydrogels, a variety of techniques have been employed, including both physical and chemical crosslinking methods. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a synthetic polymer with unique properties, has garnered significant attention since its first commercialization in the 1930s. Research on PVA systems and its applications has continuously evolved, focusing on its reactivity, applications on natural and biopolymer surfaces, and physicochemical studies, building a broad base for further developments. Understanding the chemical and physical properties of PVA is crucial before discussing its reactivity and applications. PVA, generally with an average degree of saponification greater than 98%, is a water-soluble, linear synthetic polymer obtained by the partial or complete hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. PVA is highly hydrophilic, biocompatible, and a good film-forming agent due to the presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups in its structure.