Peracetic acid: a practical agent for sterilizing heat-labile polymeric tissue-engineering scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Sterilization Technologies

Background:

• Tissue-engineering scaffolds require sterilization for clinical translation.
• Conventional methods like heat, steam, and radiation degrade delicate scaffold structures.
• Preserving micro- and nano-architecture is critical for scaffold function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sterilization methods for electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds.
• To compare peracetic acid (PAA) with conventional methods (ethylene oxide, autoclaving, ethanol).
• To assess the impact of sterilization on scaffold nano-architecture and mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds were fabricated.
• Biological indicators (Bacillus atrophaeus spores) were used.
• Scaffolds were sterilized using ethylene oxide, autoclaving, 80% ethanol, and varying concentrations of PAA in 20% ethanol.
• Scaffold properties (nano-architecture, mechanical integrity, surface wettability) were analyzed post-sterilization.

Main Results:

• Peracetic acid (PAA) at 1000 ppm or higher in 20% ethanol effectively sterilized scaffolds in 15 minutes at room temperature.
• PAA treatment preserved the nano-architecture and mechanical properties of the scaffolds.
• Higher PAA concentrations (5000 ppm) rendered scaffolds hydrophilic (contact angle 0°).
• Conventional methods caused scaffold degradation and loss of architecture.

Conclusions:

• Peracetic acid (PAA) provides an economical, rapid, and effective sterilization solution for heat-sensitive polymeric electrospun scaffolds.
• PAA maintains critical structural and mechanical integrity, unlike conventional sterilization techniques.
• PAA treatment can enhance scaffold surface properties, potentially improving biological interactions.