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[Antimicrobial activity of core-sheath surgical sutures modified with poly-3-hydroxybutyrate]

M B Fedorov, G A Vikhoreva, N R Kil'deeva

    Prikladnaia Biokhimiia I Mikrobiologiia
    |January 5, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    Surgical sutures gain antimicrobial properties with a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) coating containing furazolidone (FZ). This innovative sheath provides a prolonged antimicrobial effect for 7-14 days, enhancing infection prevention.

    Area of Science:

    • Biomaterials Science
    • Polymer Chemistry
    • Infectious Disease Research

    Context:

    • Surgical site infections are a significant concern, often linked to medical devices like sutures.
    • Existing antimicrobial sutures have limitations in duration and efficacy.
    • Polyester sutures are widely used but lack inherent antimicrobial properties.

    Purpose:

    • To develop novel polyester sutures with sustained antimicrobial activity.
    • To investigate the efficacy of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a drug delivery system for furazolidone (FZ).
    • To explore modifications of suture coatings using other biocompatible polymers.

    Summary:

    • Polyester fibers were coated with a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) sheath containing the antimicrobial agent furazolidone (FZ).
    • A two-step application process created a sheath (10% of suture weight) with 2-6% FZ, ensuring a prolonged antimicrobial effect lasting 7-14 days.
    • The antimicrobial properties and structure of the sutures can be further tuned by incorporating additional biocompatible and biodegradable polymers.

    Impact:

    • Provides a new generation of antimicrobial surgical sutures with extended efficacy.
    • Offers a potential strategy to reduce surgical site infections.
    • Opens avenues for developing advanced, functionalized medical textiles.

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