Unraveling Sterilization Effects on Konjac Glucomannan: Insights into a Natural Biopolymer for Biomedical Applications

Sterilization is essential for ensuring the safety and biocompatibility of biomaterials intended for biomedical use. However, their sensitivity to sterilization methods requires careful evaluation of potential impacts on structural and functional integrity. Biopolymers such as konjac glucomannan (KGM) have emerged as promising candidates for wound healing and tissue engineering due to their favorable physicochemical properties along with improved thermal resistance and adequate mechanical properties. In this study, KGM-based films were developed and subjected to different sterilization and disinfection protocolsincluding autoclaving, ethylene oxide (EtO), γ irradiation, UV radiation, and 70% ethanoland were evaluated on their physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical analyses and in vitro cytotoxicity. The results showed that γ and UV irradiation induced the most pronounced changes in film properties, whereas autoclaving and EtO better preserved the materials' integrity. Additionally, 70% ethanol demonstrated satisfactory performance as a disinfectant. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate sterilization methods to ensure the efficacy and functionality of KGM-based biomaterials.