The dynamic viscoelastic characterisation and magnetic resonance imaging of poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel: Identifying new attributes and opportunities

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) cryogel is a biocompatible, synthetic hydrogel, compatible with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. It widely used as biomaterial in tissue scaffolds and mimics to test various diagnostic techniques. The aim of this study characterise the effect varying PVA concentration, molecular weight (MW) manufacturing protocol on viscoelastic mechanical properties MR T2 relaxation time. Further imaging (MRI) was investigated method quantify material homogeneity. Cylindrical samples PVA, MW, concentration number freeze thaw cycles (FTCs), were manufactured. Dynamic analysis performed evaluate storage loss moduli between frequencies 0.5 10 Hz. maps imaged using 7 T MRI instrument. Storage shown increase or FTCs; modulus ranging from 55 kPa 912 6 103 kPa. time linearly concentration. qualitative quantitative heterogeneity sample identified through maps. Excitingly, demonstrated composition-dependent casual correlation In conclusion, research thoroughly characterised support its extensive use biomaterial, non-invasively identify predict PVA.