Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Polymer Research, cilt.32, sa.11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major cause of lower back pain and disability. The development of biocompatible materials for intervertebral disc replacement is crucial for addressing this condition. This study investigated the development of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based composite hydrogels as a potential solution for nucleus pulposus replacement in intervertebral disc repair. Chemically crosslinked PVA hydrogels with varying molecular weights (15,000, 61,000 and 125,000) and Hexakis(methoxymethyl)melamine (HMMM) concentrations were prepared using two different sizes of SiO2 particles, along with ZrO2 particles. These hydrogels were characterized for their swelling and mechanical properties. The results indicated that the optimal HMMM concentration for maximizing swelling capacity was 20%. The incorporation of ceramic particles into the hydrogel matrix enhanced the mechanical properties. The study show that the specific particle type and concentration significantly influence the balance between swelling capacity and mechanical strength. For instance, the addition of 5% of the smaller SiO2 particles (SF600) to PVA with a molecular weight of 61,000 resulted in the highest mechanical strength while maintaining a suitable swelling capacity. The results highlight the potential of these PVA-based composite hydrogels for nucleus pulposus replacement, offering promising avenues for further research and development.