Properties of Cell-Compatible Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels Cross-Linked with Hydrophobic Luteolin

Biological applications of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels (PVA) are limited because the pure polymer has low hardness and poor mechanical properties. The quality of most PVA hydrogels can be enhanced by addition of molecules that form strong covalent or noncovalent cross-links between the PVA chains. Natural materials as cross-linking agents are attracting interest because of their degradability, cell compatibility, and environmental...