Development of Environmentally Safe Biodegradable, Antibacterial Surgical Sutures Using Nanosilver Particles

Abstract

Bacterial infection from medical devices is a significant problem and accounts for an increasing number of deaths and high medical costs. Surgical sutures are a major source of nosocomial infection through surgical wound contamination and the rates of which are increasing globally. One efficient way to prevent this is by modifying the surface of the sutures in such a way that no bacterial adhesion can occur. In this investigation, biodegradable polymer sutures with excellent antibacterial properties were developed. Antibacterial properties were achieved by coating nanosilver incorporated biopolymer polycaprolactone material on the surface of the sutures. Biocompatible polyethylene glycol was selected as the solvent for the dispersion of nanosilver particles, which improved the mechanical properties of the sutures. The nanoparticle coating was found to be uniform and more effective with the electrospinning method. The mechanical property of the coated suture was analysed using the Universal Test Method, and the results were in agreement with the standard results. The surface morphology of coated sutures becomes uniform on adding nanosilver particles, confirmed by scanning electron microscope studies. A comparative study of force–displacement, hardness, and reduced modulus as a function of contact depth indentation tests were performed on coated and uncoated suture samples using a Nanoindentation Test Machine. In-situ Scanning Probe Microscopy images were captured for coated and uncoated suture materials. These studies confirmed a new strategy in developing antibacterial sutures suitable for wound closure following surgery.