Polyvinyl alcohol cryogels (PVA-C): properties, preparation, and applications

The development of accurate medical imaging phantoms is vital for advancing pre-clinical technologies, where precise simulation of human tissues is crucial for testing imaging modalities like ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Polyvinyl alcohol cryogels (PVA-C) is a material useful for mimicking the mechanical and acoustic properties of human tissues after rounds of freeze-thaw cycles (FTC). This paper offers methodology considerations for preparing 10% w/w PVA-C phantoms optimized for these imaging parameters, focusing on PVA concentration, FTC, and the use of co-solvents and nanoparticles. By comparing techniques for liver and artery phantoms, the paper aims to achieve uniformity in phantom properties. Additionally, it explores PVA-C's self-healing and shape memory properties, relevant for biomedical implants and image-guided interventions. The full version of this paper will include specific details of best practices for manufacturing various organ phantoms.