A Review of Sterilization Methods and Their Commercial Impacts on Polysaccharide-Based Biomaterials

Biopolymers’ most significant barrier to commercialisation is their sensitivity to external factors and poor material properties. In recent years significant progress has been made to enhance these materials so that they are able to provide their unique physiological benefits while maintaining acceptable material performance. As these materials have developed so too has their application in the food and medical industry, which often requires them to undergo sterilization. Sterilization is a process in which all microbial life and spores are removed from the surface and within materials and is a regulatory requirement for some food packaging products and all medical applications. Sterilization is carried out primarily using radiation, chemical and heat treatment which are all effective in disrupting cell regulation and causing cell death. These processes are known to induce structural and/or chemical changes in materials as well as potential migratory or leeching effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of these sterilization processes and the effects they have on polysaccharides, while established data is discussed providing insight into the market viability post sterilization and the importance of further characterization using sterilization.