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Optimizing the sterilization of PLGA scaffolds for use in tissue engineering
C E Holy1, C Cheng, J E Davies
1Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Ont, Canada.
Biomaterials
|November 21, 2000
Summary
Sterilizing biodegradable polyester scaffolds is challenging. Radiofrequency gaseous discharge (RFGD) plasma effectively sterilizes Osteofoam scaffolds with minimal degradation, unlike ethylene oxide or gamma irradiation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Sterilization Technologies
Background:
- Biodegradable polyester scaffolds are crucial for tissue engineering but are sensitive to heat and pressure, limiting sterilization options.
- Existing sterilization methods like ethylene oxide (ETO) and gamma irradiation (gamma) can degrade scaffold properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify an optimal sterilization method for poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) Osteofoam scaffolds.
- To evaluate the effects of RFGD plasma, ETO, and gamma irradiation on scaffold integrity.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of radiofrequency gaseous discharge (RFGD) plasma, ethylene oxide (ETO), and gamma irradiation (gamma) sterilization.
- Assessment of scaffold dimensions, morphology, molecular weight (Mw), and degradation profiles.
- Use of 70% ethanol disinfection as a control.
Main Results:
- RFGD plasma sterilization preserved scaffold morphology and integrity.
- ETO caused significant shrinkage (60% volume reduction), and gamma irradiation reduced Mw by ~50%.
- All sterilization methods induced more degradation than ethanol control, with gamma irradiation showing the most significant changes.
Conclusions:
- RFGD plasma sterilization is superior for biodegradable polyester scaffolds, maintaining structural and molecular integrity.
- ETO and gamma irradiation are unsuitable due to immediate and long-term detrimental effects on scaffold properties.
- RFGD plasma offers a promising sterilization solution for tissue engineering scaffolds.