Effect of 'glutaraldehyde functionality on network formation in poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes

The use of higher-functionality oligomers of glutaraldehyde on network formation was investigated and compared with glutaraldehyde monomer in step-growth reactions. The effect of using such oligomers in network formation depends on the stoichiometry, which alters either the branching or both the branching and crosslinking of the network. This was demonstrated in the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) networks crosslinked with glutaraldehyde using cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, water swelling studies, and protein transfer across membranes. General guidelines were given for the proper use of glutaraldehyde solutions. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.