A temporary nontoxic lubricant for a synthetic absorbable suture

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Synthetic absorbable sutures require surface coatings to enhance handling.
• Poloxamer 188 is a unique surfactant investigated for suture lubrication.
• Tissue compatibility and infection prevention are critical considerations for suture coatings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of poloxamer 188 coating on polyglycolic acid sutures.
• To compare the handling and knot security of coated polyglycolic acid sutures with coated polyglactin 910 sutures.
• To assess the in-situ performance of coated sutures in a tissue environment.

Main Methods:

• Polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910 sutures were coated with poloxamer 188.
• Suture handling characteristics and knot security were assessed.
• The impact of aqueous environments and implantation on knot security was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Poloxamer 188 coating improved the handling of polyglycolic acid sutures.
• Coated polyglycolic acid sutures exhibited increased knot security after implantation.
• Coated polyglactin 910 suture knot security remained unaffected by aqueous exposure or implantation.
• Poloxamer 188 demonstrated minimal tissue reactivity and did not impede host defenses.

Conclusions:

• Polyglycolic acid sutures coated with poloxamer 188 offer enhanced knot security post-implantation.
• This improved knot security represents a significant clinical advantage over polyglactin 910 sutures.
• Poloxamer 188 is a suitable lubricant for synthetic absorbable sutures, balancing handling and biocompatibility.