EFFECT OF STERILIZATION ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COLLAGEN-BASED COMPOSITE TUBES

In this study, composite tubes were manufactured from biological collagenous matrix and reinforcing polyester mesh. The effect of sterilization on mechanical properties of this structure was evaluated using inflation-extension tests. Samples were exposed to two types of sterilization (ethylene oxide and gamma irradiation). The control (non-sterilized) samples were also tested. The closed thick walled tube model was used in order to compute stresses within sterilized and control specimens. It was found that the process of sterilization (especially irradiation) dramatically affects the final mechanical properties of the material. These findings should be taken into account when such collagenous material is assumed to be used in tissue engineering