Polymers have found increasing favor in biomedical applications due to the greater
control that researchers can exert over their properties. Researchers have focused on the
development of therapies using biologically compatible polymers due to their ability to
limit potentially harmful interactions with the body. This research has led to advances in
tissue engineering, controlled and targeted drug delivery, and other biomedical fields, with
the goal of improving both the effectiveness and accessibility of health care.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels possess several chemical properties that make them
well suited for biomedical applications. These include inertness and stability,
biocompatibility, and pH-responsiveness. As a result, PVA based materials have been
studied for potential applications in areas of biomedicine such as targeted drug delivery,
tissue engineering, and wound healing.
This thesis examines the properties of PVA and seeks to understand how the chemical
and physical structure affects their properties. It then examines how these properties
enhance their utility in potential biomedical applications. Finally, it reviews the research
into development of PVA based materials for three different biomedical applications.Chemical Engineerin
