Synthesis and assessment of poly(acrylic acid)/polyvinylpyrrolidone interpenetrating network as a matrix for oral mucosa cells

Interpenetrating polymer network are a combination of two or more polymers that allow creating a new material with a unique set of properties. An ideal scaffold for an extracellular matrix could be achieved by the combination of polymers to improve the scaffold’s physical and chemical characteristics. The aim of this work was to synthesize and characterize an interpenetrating polymer network of polyvinylpyrrolidone and poly(acrylic acid) in contact with cells of the oral mucosa. A sequential synthesis method was performed, adding polyvinylpyrrolidone xerogel to the acrylic acid monomer. Infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize these networks. Differences in swelling kinetics, porosity, and density were also studied. A similar swelling degree and percentage of porosity between interpenetrating polymer network and poly(acrylic acid) were found. Also, maximum swelling was achieved in both networks at the same time point. The hemocompatibility and cell viability of the networks in contact with oral mucosa cells was also evaluated. Cytotoxicity analysis indicates that the interpenetrating polymer network is not toxic for oral mucosa cells. Additionally, the percentage of hemolysis was reduced when both poly(acrylic acid) and polyvinylpyrrolidone were combined as an interpenetrating polymer network. The results indicate that the combination of both polymers as an interpenetrating polymer network generated a suitable matrix for oral mucosa cells.