Preparation and characterisation of a new double-sided bio-artificial material prepared by casting of poly(vinyl alcohol) on collagen

A new double-sided bio-artificial polymer material prepared by casting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on collagen (COLL) was obtained. The single components were blended with lactic acid and glutaraldehyde as plasticiser and crosslinker agents, respectively, to change and characterise structure of both the polymers. Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile test, tear resistance test, scratch test and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were chosen to characterise all the prepared materials. The results showed that the additives led to the decrease of glass transition temperature, melting temperature and crystallinity with respect to raw materials. The new bio-artificial material revealed tough behaviour with yield stress, with less by half tensile strength compared to neat materials and with the strain of PVA (>100 %). Both PVA and COLL blends and the new bio-artificial material exhibited viscoelastic features useful for being used in contact with living organism.