Chitosan is an important natural polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin,
which is found in the exoskeletons of insects, crustaceans, and fungi. It is a cationic
polysaccharide widely used in biomedicine, particularly valued for its ability to form
hydrogels—three-dimensional networks with high water content. Chitosan-based
hydrogels are crucial in medicine, especially in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and
regenerative medicine. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer that can be
combined with chitosan to enhance the properties of hydrogels. PVA is also known for
its biocompatibility and non-toxicity, along with its excellent mechanical strength,
making it ideal for use in medical applications. When PVA is combined with chitosan, a
composite hydrogel is formed, which merges the benefits of both materials. Together,
they allow precise control over the hydrogel's properties, paving the way for exploring
advanced systems for controlled drug release, adaptable materials for tissue engineering,
and innovative solutions for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The process of
forming chitosan and PVA hydrogels through electrodeposition is based on cathodic
neutralization, where the localized pH gradient at the cathode surface causes chitosan to
transition from solution to gel, enabling stable deposition of the hydrogel onto the cathode
surface. In the presence of copper ions generated at the anode, coordination
electrodeposition occurs, with copper aiding in the formation of a stable hydrogel coating.
This method allows the production of hydrogels with enhanced stability and precise
structural control, which is essential for further research.
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