Multifunctional Suture Coating for Combating Surgical Site Infections and Mitigating Associated Complications
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Published on: October 23, 2012
Sreyan Ghosh1, Dipanjana Patra2, Riya Mukherjee1
1Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka India.
Abstract:
Despite advancements in preventive measures and hospital protocols, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant concern following surgeries. Sutures, commonly used for wound closure, can serve as a platform for microbial adherence and contamination, leading to extensive debridement and recurrent antibiotic therapy. The emergence of drug resistance and the formation of biofilms on sutures have further complicated the management of SSIs. Drug-eluting sutures incorporating biocides like triclosan have limitations due to uncontrolled release and associated toxicity. Therefore, there is a need for alternative approaches to impart antimicrobial properties to sutures. In this study, we present a one-step covalent cross-linking method to coat surgical sutures with an antimicrobial small molecule, quaternary benzophenone-based antimicrobial (QSM). Additionally, the sutures are dip-coated with ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic properties. The coated sutures maintained their morphological and tensile properties after in vivo implantation. The antimicrobial coating demonstrated efficacy against a broad-spectrum pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. The optimized formulation retained its biodegradability in vivo. Furthermore, the coated sutures exhibited ∼3 log reduction in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) burden in a subcutaneous implantation mouse model. Overall, this multifunctional coating provides antimicrobial properties to surgical sutures while preserving their mechanical integrity and biodegradability. These coated sutures have the potential to address the challenge of SSIs and contribute to improved surgical outcomes.
Insights
New sutures combat surgical site infections (SSIs) by covalently coating them with a quaternary benzophenone-based antimicrobial (QSM) and ibuprofen. This innovative approach maintains suture integrity and biodegradability while effectively reducing bacterial burden.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant postoperative complication, often linked to microbial contamination of sutures.
- Existing antimicrobial sutures have limitations, including uncontrolled drug release, toxicity, and the development of drug-resistant biofilms.
- Novel strategies are needed to effectively prevent SSIs without compromising suture performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate multifunctional surgical sutures with enhanced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- To investigate a one-step covalent cross-linking method for coating sutures with a quaternary benzophenone-based antimicrobial (QSM) and ibuprofen.
- To assess the in vivo efficacy, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of the coated sutures.
Main Methods:
- Surgical sutures were coated using a one-step covalent cross-linking method with QSM and subsequently dip-coated with ibuprofen.
- Coated sutures underwent morphological, tensile, and antimicrobial efficacy testing against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
- In vivo studies in a mouse model assessed the reduction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) burden and evaluated biodegradability.
Main Results:
- The QSM and ibuprofen coating effectively imparted broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity to the sutures, including against drug-resistant strains and fungi.
- Coated sutures maintained their essential morphological and tensile properties after in vivo implantation.
- A significant reduction (approximately 3-log) in MRSA burden was observed in the subcutaneous implantation mouse model.
- The optimized coating formulation demonstrated in vivo biodegradability.
Conclusions:
- Multifunctional sutures coated with QSM and ibuprofen offer a promising strategy to mitigate SSIs.
- This approach preserves the mechanical integrity and biodegradability of surgical sutures.
- These enhanced sutures have the potential to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the incidence of SSIs.
