University of Kashan Journal of Nanostructures 2251-7871 16 4 2026 10 01 A Novel Nanocomposite Hydrogel Designed for Biomedical Applications and Synthesized Using Polyvinyl Alcohol, Chitosan, and SiO₂: Formulation and Morphological Characterization 4588 4595 115619 10.22052/JNS.2026.04.008 EN Karrar Najeh Chfat College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq Noor Hadi Aysa Department of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq Shafq Al- Azzawi Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq Journal Article 2026 05 03 Nanocomposite hydrogels (NCHGs) have recently emerged as promising materials for different biomedical applications, including cellular therapy, wound dressings and controlled drug delivery due to their high-water absorption capacity and biocompatibility. NCHGs are three-dimensional, interconnected and swellable polymer. This work aims to synthesize NCHGs with varying ratios of chitosan /polyvinyl alcohol polymers and functionalized with silica to improve structural integrity and morphological characteristics, and to characterize it and evaluate its swelling in physiological environments. The NCHG was developed by controlled blending and crosslinking techniques, ensuring homogeneous dispersion of SiO₂ nanoparticles throughout the polymer matrix. The characterization included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed the successful integration of components, revealing characteristic interactions between the hydroxyl and amine functional groups of the polymers and the silica. While X-ray diffraction indicated the successful incorporation of nanoparticles without compromising the structural integrity of the polymer network. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy revealed a rough and porous morphology, providing an effective scaffold for nanoparticle incorporation. The results of swelling showed controlled behaviour that enhance high swelling in acidic environments as in tumor, and retain its stability in neutral environments. In conclusion, the developed NCHG suggests its significance in various medical applications and including drug loading and control release, due to their highly porous, strong water absorption capacity and controlled swelling behaviour. https://jns.kashanu.ac.ir/article_115619_0d3e283536104194e5adde430532cc3a.pdf