Sterilization Procedure for Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogels Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles for Clinical Applications

Abstract

Hydrogels (HG) have recognized benefits as drug delivery platforms for biomedical applications. Their high sensitivity to sterilization processes is however one of the greatest challenges regarding their clinical translation. Concerning infection diseases, prevention of post-operatory related infections is crucial to ensure appropriate patient recovery and good clinical outcomes. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown good antimicrobial properties but sustained release at the right place is required. Thus, we produced and characterized thermo-sensitive HG based on Pluronic® F127 loaded with AgNPs (HG-AgNPs) and their integrity and functionality after sterilization by dry-heat and autoclave methods were carefully assessed. The quality attributes of HG-AgNPs were seriously affected by dry-heat methods but not by autoclaving methods, which allowed to ensure the required sterility. Also, direct sterilization of the final HG-AgNPs product proved more effective than of the raw material, allowing simpler production procedures in non-sterile conditions. The mechanical properties were assessed in post mortem rat models and the HG-AgNPs were tested for its antimicrobial properties in vitro using extremely drug-resistant (XDR) clinical strains. The produced HG-AgNPs prove to be versatile, easy produced and cost-effective products, with activity against XDR strains and an adequate gelation time and spreadability features and optimal for in situ biomedical applications.

Hydrogel-Based Technologies for the Diagnosis of Skin Pathology

“…However, it can be very costly thus mitigating its wide utilization. Conventional UV or heat treatments are also hindered by the sensitive nature of hydrogel technology (i.e., inducing degradation and impacting gelation behaviors) [170]. Fortunately, recent studies have demonstrated that steam-sterilization and gamma-irradiation minimally impact mechanical properties of HA, poloxamer, and gelatin-based hydrogels [171,172].…”

An Elucidative Review to Analytically Sieve the Viability of Nanomedicine Market

“…The size and composition of the nanoformulations offer major challenges while the selection of sterilization technique before it is administered to the body. Sterilization techniques like gamma irradiation or autoclaving offer high risk to nanomedicines, especially when one of the components is biological material [70]. In case of liposomal nanomedicines, where the particle structure is malleable or flexible, conventional sterilization filters with average particle size well below 220 nm, may be suitable [71].…”

Nanopharmaceuticals for Eye Administration: Sterilization, Depyrogenation and Clinical Applications

“…Rafael et al (2019) [ 62 ] produced and characterized thermo-sensitive HGs based on Pluronic ® F127 loaded with AgNPs. Dry heat methods affected the quality of these nanoparticles but not the autoclaving methods.…”

“…The formation of reactive oxygen species reached higher values of peroxides when sterilized by dry heat than by autoclaving. The sterilization of the polymer prior to the HG formation led to the formation of peroxides [ 62 ]. The presence of AgNPs did not affect the gelation behavior when compared to the sterilized unloaded HG, but it has been proven that temperature can change the mechanical properties of the hydrogels.…”

“…When temperature increased from 4–22 °C to 37 °C, morphology and microstructure changes could be noticed. Regarding the antimicrobial efficacy of sterilized vs. nonsterilized HGs and AgNPs, no significant differences were observed [ 62 ].…”