Effects of irradiation sterilization on the physicochemical and functional properties of commercial biomedical hydrogels

Hydrogels are versatile materials widely used in biomedical applications, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Their polymeric structure and high water content make them highly sensitive to sterilization, which is essential for ensuring safety and efficacy in clinical use. This review primarily focuses on irradiation-based sterilization techniques, including gamma irradiation, electron beam, and X-ray sterilization, and their effects on the physicochemical and functional properties of hydrogels. Key aspects analyzed include mechanical properties, degradation behavior, biocompatibility, water absorption and swelling behavior, drug release characteristics, surface morphology, and electrochemical properties. In addition, other commonly used sterilization methods, such as heat (steam and dry heat), ultraviolet, and gas sterilization, are briefly summarized to provide context and comparison. Understanding the interplay between irradiation sterilization and hydrogel materials is critical for optimizing their biomedical performance. Finally, this review discusses the prospects of advanced sterilization techniques, highlighting their potential to support the next generation of hydrogel-based biomedical applications.