Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications

Banu Kocaaga; Sarp Ilgıner

doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1828570

Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications

Abstract

Injectable, self-healing hydrogels that integrate structural support, bioactivity and controlled drug delivery are attractive for the management of complex wounds, particularly in emergency or field-care settings. In this study, oxidized pectin (OP)–gelatin hydrogels incorporating poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) and procaine (PC) were prepared via dynamic Schiff-base crosslinking, and their composition–structure–function relationships were systematically examined. FTIR confirmed imine formation between OP/PA and gelatin together with preservation of the polysaccharide backbone, while increasing PVP content enhanced pyrrolidone-associated bands. SEM revealed a transition from a relatively compact, densely packed network (OP–Gel–PVP20) to a more open, fibrillar and porous structure at higher PVP loading (OP–Gel–PVP40). These morphological changes correlated with tunable viscoelasticity and self-healing behaviour, and with improved lap-shear adhesion on both dry and gelatin-coated substrates for the PVP20 and PVP40 formulations. Swelling and release studies showed that PC release could be modulated by PVP content, with OP–Gel–PVP20 exhibiting slower, more restricted release and OP–Gel–PVP40 providing faster and nearly complete release. All hydrogels maintained cell viability in the 90–95% range, and DPPH assays demonstrated significant radical-scavenging activity dominated by the phenolic contribution of PA. The OP–Gel–PVP hydrogels thus provide an injectable, self-healing and adhesive matrix with antioxidant functionality and controllable anaesthetic release, supporting their use as advanced wound dressings for tissue protection and regeneration.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This work was supported by the Istanbul Technical University under Project No: MAB-2024-45518

Project Number

MAB-2024-45518

Ethical Statement

This study involved no human or animal subjects, and therefore did not require ethical approval. All experimental procedures were performed using commercially available materials, and no ethical issues were encountered during the research.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. F. Seniha Güner for providing access to laboratory facilities and analytical instruments used in this study.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pharmaceutical Delivery Technologies

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Banu Kocaaga ^*
Türkiye

Sarp Ilgıner
0009-0007-9668-1558
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 15, 2026

Submission Date

November 22, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 30 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1828570

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA76KD79XZ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Kocaaga, B., & Ilgıner, S. (2026). Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, 30(2), 716-729. https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1828570

AMA

1.Kocaaga B, Ilgıner S. Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30(2):716-729. doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1828570

Chicago

Kocaaga, Banu, and Sarp Ilgıner. 2026. “Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels With Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 (2): 716-29. https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1828570.

EndNote

Kocaaga B, Ilgıner S (March 1, 2026) Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 2 716–729.

IEEE

[1]B. Kocaaga and S. Ilgıner, “Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications”, J. Res. Pharm., vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 716–729, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.12991/jrespharm.1828570.

ISNAD

Kocaaga, Banu - Ilgıner, Sarp. “Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels With Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30/2 (March 1, 2026): 716-729. https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1828570.

JAMA

1.Kocaaga B, Ilgıner S. Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30:716–729.

MLA

Kocaaga, Banu, and Sarp Ilgıner. “Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels With Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, vol. 30, no. 2, Mar. 2026, pp. 716-29, doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1828570.

Vancouver

1.Banu Kocaaga, Sarp Ilgıner. Dynamic OP–Gel–PVP Hydrogels with Tunable Network Properties for Injectable, Self-Healing, and Adhesive Biomaterial Applications. J. Res. Pharm. 2026 Mar. 1;30(2):716-29. doi:10.12991/jrespharm.1828570