PVA/Dextran Physically Crosslinked Blend Hydrogels to Induce Angiogenesis in Ischemic Heart Tissues: Mechanical Properties and Fibroblast Growth Factor Delivery Studies

Hydrogels based on natural polymers have attracted much attention as excellent carriers to deliver bioactive agents in their swollen state. [1] Fabrication of PVA/Dextran (DEX) blendhydrogels is reported by the same authors elsewhere. [2] The hydrogels can be used as implantable patches; sutured topericardium in the close proximity of ovine heart in order to deliver bFGF locally to induce neoangiogenesis in ischemic areas. Mechanical properties and drug release behaviour of these blend hydrogels are reported here