NIR Phosphorescent Oxygen Sensors in Natural Hydrogel Matrices

Understanding the effects of sterilization and other treatments over different hydrogels used as matrices for oxygen-sensitive microparticles is essential in designing biocompatible phosphorescent metabolite sensors. In this study, we dispersed oxygen-sensitive microparticles in hydrogel matrices from various natural sources, such as gelatin, alginate, collagen, and Albumin. Subsequently, we comprehensively analyzed their mechanical and rheological properties and oxygen sensitivity before and after treatments, including autoclave and E-beam sterilization and exposure to serum and cell culture conditions. Our findings, encompassing oxygen sensitivity, compression testing, and rheological profiling, consistently indicate that the E-beam sterilization method yields the most reliable results when applied to alginate and Albumin (BSA) matrices containing oxygen-sensing microparticles. Furthermore, BSA gels exhibited robust stability and performance characteristics, demonstrating minimal structural alterations following post-treatment conditions.