Development of tranexamic acid-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted lactide hydrogel film for potential surgical patches

Purpose The purpose of this study was to prepare glutaraldehyde crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-grafted Lactide (LA) (i.e. PVA-g-LA) into hydrogel films, and load them with a model drug of tranexamic acid for possible biomedical applications. Design/methodology/approach The LA is considered an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers. The prepared specimens were analysed for surface chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and drug-release profiles. Findings Infra-red spectroscopy of hydrogel films indicated intermolecular interactions between the congeners. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed decreased crystallinity in the drug-loaded hydrogel films compared to the control film. A controlled release of tranexamic acid from the loaded hydrogel films was noted under certain physicochemical conditions. Practical implications The PLA-based hydrogels are three-dimensional, physicochemically crosslinked polymer networks that can absorb and retain a significant amount of aqueous media and release when required. LA-based hydrogels exhibit exceptional utility across a wide range of biomedical and engineering applications. Originality/value The study suggests that such PVA-g-LA hydrogel films could be used to deliver the hydrophilic drug tranexamic acid for potential biomedical applications, such as surgical patches to prevent excessive blood loss during surgery, injuries and other medical conditions where homeostasis needs to be secured.