Effects of beta and gamma radiation sterilization on growth factor-loaded nanoparticles: an innovative approach for osteoarticular disorders treatment

The prevalence of various diseases, including osteoarticular conditions, is increasing as the world's population ages. These disorders lead to degeneration of bones and joints, diminishing the quality of life of the geriatric population and imposing a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. The aim of the present study is to sterilize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and platelet-derived growth factorBB (PDGF-BB) without compromising their properties to improve osteoarticular disease prognosis. Therefore, two methods of sterilization using ionizing radiation - beta radiation and gamma radiation - and two different doses - 12 kGy and 25 kGy - were investigated. Subsequently, the study evaluated whether the sterilization process had any effect on the nanoparticles and encapsulated growth factors by assessing their physicochemical properties, toxicity, release profiles and bioactivity. The treatment with 12 kGy of beta radiation successfully sterilized the batch of nanoparticles without inducing any changes in the physicochemical properties. In addition, the release profile of VEGF165 remained unchanged, although a slight decrease was observed in the case of PDGF-BB. The biological activity of the growth factors showed a slight decrease, with the most effective concentrations being 5 ng/mL for VEGF165 and 50 ng/mL for PDGF-BB. Taken together, these findings suggest that the nanoparticles loaded with VEGF165 and PDGF-BB can be successfully sterilized while retaining both their properties and biological activity. These nanoparticles may offer a promising new approach for the treatment of osteoarticular diseases by enhancing vascularization and promoting cellular proliferation in the affected tissue.