Fabrication and Characterization of One Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Based on Sodium Alginate and Polyvinyl Alcohol

One interpenetrating network hydrogel based on sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was synthesized by combining the raw materials of PVA and SA with the double physical crosslinking methods of freezing thawing and Ca2+ crosslinking. The PVA-SA composite hydrogel have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology, infrared spectroscopy for investigating the chemical interactions between PVA and SA, X-ray diffraction for studying the PVA-SA composite structure property and thermal gravimetric for understanding the PVA-SA composite thermal stability. The swelling behavior and the degradation rate of the PVA-SA composite hydrogel were studied in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. Using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and salicylic acid as the model drugs, the release behavior of the PVA-SA composite hydrogel on macromolecular protein drugs and small molecule drug were evaluated. The results showed that the water absorption and degradation ability of the PVA-SA composite hydrogel was much better compared to the pure SA hydrogel or pure PVA hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibited remarkable pH sensitivity and the network was stable in the simulated intestinal fluid for more than 24 h. With the advantages such as mild preparation conditions, simple method, less reagent and none severe reaction, the PVA-SA composite hydrogel is expected to be a new prosperous facile sustained drug delivery carrier.