Synthesis of a novel monofilament bioabsorbable suture for biomedical applications

Abstract

In this research, a novel bioabsorbable suture that is, monofilament and capable of localized drug delivery, was developed from a combination of natural biopolymers that where not previously applied for this purpose. The optimized suture formulation comprised of sodium alginate (6% wt/vol), pectin (0.1% wt/vol), and gelatin (3% wt/vol), in the presence of glycerol (4% vol/vol) which served as a plasticizer. The monofilament bioabsorbable sutures where synthesized via in situ ionic crosslinking in a barium chloride solution (2% wt/vol). The resulting suture was characterized in terms of mechanical properties, morphology, swelling, degradation, drug release, and biocompatibility, in addition to Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The drug loaded and non‐drug loaded sutures had a maximum breaking strength of 4.18 and 4.08 N, in the straight configuration and 2.44 N and 2.59 N in the knot configuration, respectively. FTIR spectrum of crosslinked sutures depicted Δ9 cm−1 downward shift for the carboxyl stretching band which was indicative of ionic interactions between barium ions and sodium alginate. In vitro analysis revealed continued drug release for 7 days and gradual degradation by means of surface erosion, which was completed by day 28. Biocompatibility studies revealed excellent hemocompatibility and no cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the newly developed bioabsorbable suture meets the basic requirements of a suture material and provides a viable alternative to the synthetic polymer sutures that are currently on the market.

Melt-extruded biocompatible surgical sutures loaded with microspheres designed for wound healing

“…Each formulation was evaluated in the straight (n = 5) and knot (n = 5) configuration. For the knotted samples, a single overhand throw knot was tied in the middle of the suture sample [4]. It is important to note that the strength of knotted sutures measured in this study was to determine the effect of the knot on the strength of the suture rather than how secure the sutures were knotted [41].…”

“…As the most utilised surgical implants, incorporating drugs into sutures could protect the wound site from further developing inflammation or infection and facilitate tissue regeneration [3]. It could also eliminate the need for oral administration and minimise the risks of off-target side effects due to excessive exposure to drugs [4].…”

“…One of the most popular techniques for delivering bioactive compounds via surgical sutures is coating [4,32,33]. It is straightforward to grant a suture with bioactive properties while maintaining its mechanical strength.…”

Possibilities of local effect the healing of small bowel sutures in a rat model of acute intra-abdominal infection

“…To optimise the local effect, bioabsorbable and biodegradable ligature technologies are proposed [32][33][34]. In the process of bioresorption and biodegradation, such ligatures release some substances that affect some mechanisms of regeneration [34].…”

In vitro cytocompatibility of triclosan coated Polyglactin910 sutures

“…Bioabsorbable sutures are an important part of biodegradable materials [ 1 ]. It can shorten the healing time of sutured wounds, avoid the pain of taking out sutures again, and its application in medical clinic can greatly improve the medical function of existing non-absorbable sutures, and may produce new medical effects, thus bringing new Gospel to the majority of patients.…”