Abstract: Anisotropic hydrogels including poly(vinyl alcohol) and which have physical cross-links so as to form materials which exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties characteristic of soft biological tissues wherein the anisotropic hydrogel may be used for tissue reconstruction and/or replacement including vessels, arteries, valve components, cartilage, ligaments, skin, and other medical uses such as stents, medical phantoms, contact lenses, bandages, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anisotropic hydrogel and a method of producing the anisotropic hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibiting anisotropic properties is poly(vinyl alcohol) produced by preparing a solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) with a pre-selected concentration, thermally cycling the solution by freezing and thawing, stretching the hydrogel and thermally cycling the hydrogel at least one more time The anisotropic hydrogel is used for tissue replacement and reconstruction, bioagent entrapment and delivery, in preparing ultrasound or radiofrequency thermal therapy transmission pads and substitutes for ice bags, as denture base, in soft contact lens material, for wound covering bandages and phantoms for medical-related use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anisotropic hydrogel and a method of producing the anisotropic hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibiting anisotropic properties is poly(vinyl alcohol) produced by preparing a solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) with a pre-selected concentration, thermally cycling the solution by freezing and thawing, stretching the hydrogel and thermally cycling the hydrogel at least one more time The anisotropic hydrogel is used for tissue replacement and reconstruction, bioagent entrapment and delivery, in preparing ultrasound or radiofrequency thermal therapy transmission pads and substitutes for ice bags, as denture base, in soft contact lens material, for wound covering bandages and phantoms for medical-related use.