Radiation Processing of Polymers for Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Abstract

Summary: The use of ionizing radiation for the preparation of polymeric biomaterials is one of the examples of the application of atomic energy for the benefit of humanity. Radiation processing is based on the use of high energy ionizing radiation to induce chemical and biological changes in irradiated systems. High energy electron (EB) under 10 keV and gamma irradiation are the most frequently used of ionizing radiation for synthesis, modification of polymers, and sterilization of medical devices. Potential biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of these polymers are implants, topical dressings, injectable formulations, drug delivery devices, diagnostic assays, and immobilized enzyme. Through radiation crosslinking or degradation processes, polymers with specific characteristics can be prepared. The advantages of radiation processing include the absent of any chemical residues (since no chemical additives are requires to initiate the reactions), can be used at all temperatures, can be limited to the surface only and in certain cases, the synthesis/modification of materials can be combined with sterilization.

Chitosan/Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) Matrices Obtained by Gamma-Irradiation for Skin Scaffolds: Characterization and Preliminary Cell Response Studies

“…Despite the fact that other studies with chitosan/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) using various ways had been reported [11,12] the gamma radiation has several advantages over more conventional technologies: it is a simple, clean and repeatable process; almost any polymer can be used and the degree of advance of the reaction can be easily controlled [13]. In comparison with chemical or photo-induced methods, radiation does not require heating of the system (allowing the use of very sensitive monomers) and does not introduce other species in the process as initiators or photo-sensitizers most of them potentially harmful for human health [14,15].…”

Chitosan/PVA Based Membranes Processed by Gamma Radiation as Scaffolding Materials for Skin Regeneration

“…Furthermore, results evidenced that there was no significant degradation of chitosan in samples irradiated at 15 kGy, since the peak at 1558 cm −1 slightly increased in intensity. On the other hand, an increase in peak intensity was also observed at 1410 cm −1 , suggesting the occurrence of a chemical bond between chitosan and PVA, as well as an increase in the level of crosslinking with the increase in radiation dose [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”

“…The use of this technology, which does not use harmful initiators or solvents, represents a significant improvement in the current tissue engineering field. By allowing the tailoring of molecular structure, surface roughness, and porosity, ionizing radiation processing is an effective way of preparing, functionalizing, and sterilizing new materials [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Gamma Radiation Processed Polymeric Materials for High Performance Applications: A Review

“…Hydrogels have complex polymeric networks that can keep the water inside the open spaces between the polymeric chains. The prepared hydrogel has characteristic benefits: not toxic nature, sterile, water intake of about 80%, better adhesion to the wound, and ease to remove from wound place ( Darwis et al, 2015 ). In another example, hydrogels are used in stimuli-responsive materials, hybrid organs, and implants.…”