Effect of gamma radiation on novel gelatin alginate-based bioadhesives

Tissue bioadhesives are gaining popularity as an alternative for sutures and staples. The authors have previously developed novel bioadhesives based on gelatin and alginate, crosslinked with carbodiimide. However, the bioadhesives must be sterilized before proceeding to clinical trials. The effect of gamma irradiation, a common sterilization method, was investigated in the current study. The viscosity was significantly decreased, while the bonding strength to the tissue (a) and the gelatin release from the bioadhesives were not affected significantly due to the exposure to gamma radiation. The results also indicate that a gamma radiation dose of 25 kGy, as is customary for biomedical applications, has a minor effect on human fibroblast viability when using formulations based on low concentration of carbodiimide (b). These results enabled the authors to positively consider gamma irradiation as a sterilization method for their bioadhesives.