22 - Applications of polyvinyl chloride-based blends, IPNs, and gels for biomedical fields

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to provide a quick overview of PVC-based mixes, IPNs, and gels in therapeutic settings, as well as to assess the benefits and risks to human health and the environment. PVC is a valuable tool that medicine has at its disposal for treating patients and curing ailments. Though its use is regarded as safe, recent investigations have revealed that DEHP, the primary plasticizer in PVC for medical uses, may pose a risk to some patients. Precision polymers with well-controlled surface and bulk characteristics are the most common advanced tissue engineering biomaterials. Complex polymer systems (natural or manufactured) in the form of blends or alloys are necessitated by the requirement for highly specialized biomaterials with multifunctional activities, yet unanticipated phase separation can be negative with declining function when utilized in biological contexts. In this perspective, polymer mixes should be compatible with certain biomedical applications. Polymer blends’ mechanical characteristics and cellular responsiveness should be improved. In recent years, IPNs have been regarded as a revolutionary technology, demonstrating greater performance over traditional approaches. This device is designed to distribute medications at a predetermined rate, assisting in the distribution of controlled drugs. IPN has emerged as one of the most important technologies in the pharmaceutical industry due to its improved biological and physical qualities, such as solubility, biocompatibility, biodegradability specificity, and stability.