Biocompatible stimuli-responsive hydrogel porous membranes via phase separation of a polyvinyl alcohol and Na-alginate intermolecular complex

Abstract

Ion cross-linked porous alginate thin films were fabricated from mixtures of sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in an aqueous solution. A spinodal decomposition mechanism in a low immiscibility limit brings about the formation of phase separated spin-cast thin films that are characterized with a low size distribution of PVA phases. Rinsing of the films in calcium chloride solutions yields porous hydrogel films – membranes on solid substrates. The porous membranes are a pH-sensitive material whose pore diameter can be tuned by changes in pH. The membranes are mechanically robust and can be transferred onto the surface of porous substrates.