Carbon nanotubes functionalized with sodium hyaluronate: Sterilization, osteogenic capacity and renal function...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Nanotechnology
• Sterilization techniques

Background:

• Sodium hyaluronate (HY) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising biomaterials.
• Sterilization is crucial for clinical applications of biomaterials.
• Gamma irradiation is a common sterilization method, but its effect on HY and CNTs needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine optimal gamma irradiation dosages for sterilizing HY, SWCNT, MWCNT, HY-SWCNT, and HY-MWCNT.
• Assess the structural integrity of these materials post-sterilization.
• Evaluate the biological properties and biocompatibility of sterilized materials, focusing on renal function.

Main Methods:

• Materials were exposed to gamma irradiation dosages ranging from 100 Gy to 30 kGy.
• Sterility was confirmed by colony-forming unit (CFU) counts after challenging with Bacillus clausii.
• Structural integrity was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• In vivo studies in rats evaluated bone formation and renal function.

Main Results:

• Optimal sterilization dosages were 250 Gy for HY and 2.5 kGy for CNT-based materials.
• Gamma irradiation did not cause significant structural changes in the materials.
• Sterilized materials enhanced bone formation (p < 0.05) and did not negatively impact renal function or structure.

Conclusions:

• Gamma irradiation is an effective sterilization method for HY and CNTs.
• Sterilization preserves the structural integrity and biological properties of these biomaterials.
• The sterilized materials are suitable for applications promoting bone regeneration without adverse renal effects.