PG-150 distearate-PVA self-healing hydrogel: Potential application in tissue engineering

Abstract Today, the proposal for self-healing biomaterials suitable for application in engineering for soft tissues with low mechanical stress such as in brain, adipose tissue or thyroid has prominently increased. In this study, a self-healing PG-150 distearate-PVA hydrogel was developed through the freezing/thawing method and characterized. The developed hydrogel proved higher crystallinity than the control hydrogel (without freezing/thawing cycle). Furthermore, the hydrogel presented adequate chemical and mechano-responsive properties, allowing it to maintain its structure when sudden impact was subjected. In addition, the hydrogel was capable of deforming under low levels of mechanical stress, making it an excellent option as tissue engineering material.