Autoclavable Albumin-Based Cryogels with Uncompromising Properties

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Conventional hydrogels often degrade during autoclaving, limiting their use in sterile biomedical applications.
• Developing sterilization-stable hydrogels is crucial for safe and effective medical device and therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of autoclaving on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of bovine serum albumin methacryloyl (BSAMA) cryogels.
• To evaluate the sterilization efficacy of autoclaving compared to other methods for BSAMA cryogels.

Main Methods:

• BSAMA cryogels were prepared at 3, 5, and 10% protein concentrations.
• Autoclave treatment was applied to assess changes in shape, structure, mechanical properties (Young's modulus), and degradation rates.
• Cell viability, drug release profiles, and hemolytic activity were evaluated pre- and post-autoclaving.
• Sterilization effectiveness against bacterial contamination was compared between autoclaving, UV, and ethanol treatments.

Main Results:

• BSAMA cryogels retained their gross shape, pore structure, and protein secondary structure after autoclaving.
• Young's modulus was similar for low-concentration autoclaved BSAMA cryogels, but higher for 10% concentration.
• Autoclaved BSAMA cryogels exhibited prolonged degradation.
• Cell viability, drug release, and hemolytic behavior remained consistent before and after autoclaving.
• Autoclaving demonstrated superior bacterial sterilization compared to UV and ethanol treatments.

Conclusions:

• Autoclavable BSAMA cryogels maintain critical properties after high-temperature sterilization.
• These cryogels offer prolonged degradation profiles and effective sterilization, surpassing UV and ethanol methods.
• BSAMA cryogels are promising candidates for various biomedical applications requiring sterile, robust hydrogel materials.