Influence of various sterilization procedures on TiO2 nanotubes used for biomedical devices.

In a research study published in June 2016 on Bioelectrochemistry, the authors explored the impact of various sterilization methods on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes, a material commonly used for biomedical devices. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of these procedures in ensuring the safety and sterility of devices containing TiO2 nanotubes.

The research included three primary sterilization methods: steam sterilization, ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization, and gamma irradiation. The team investigated each method's effect on TiO2 nanotubes by assessing the structural integrity of the nanotubes before and after sterilization.

In steam sterilization, samples were exposed to 134°C for 30 minutes, while EtO gas sterilization employed a concentration of 57 kPa-h cm3/cm2 at 38°C for 6 hours. Gamma irradiation involved exposing the samples to a dose of 25 kGy.

The study found that both steam sterilization and EtO gas sterilization resulted in minimal changes to the TiO2 nanotubes' structure, with pass rates for both methods exceeding 90%. On the other hand, gamma irradiation caused noticeable damage to the TiO2 nanotubes, resulting in a pass rate of only 57%.

The research was conducted in a controlled environment, simulating the conditions found in hospital central sterile supply departments (CSSD), endoscopy units, and operating rooms. The study highlights the importance of considering the specific sterilization method when dealing with biomedical devices containing TiO2 nanotubes to ensure their integrity and functionality post-sterilization.