Development of Curcumin-Loaded TiO₂-Reinforced Chitosan Monofilaments for Biocompatible Surgical Sutures

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Absorbable sutures are preferred for wound closure to avoid secondary procedures.
• Chitosan is a promising biomaterial for suture development due to its biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize enhanced chitosan sutures using titanium dioxide (TiO2) and curcumin.
• To evaluate the mechanical, antibacterial, and bioactive properties of the modified sutures.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan sutures were fabricated via dry jet-wet spinning.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed material incorporation.
• Tensile strength, morphological, radical scavenging, antibacterial, and drug release assays were performed.

Main Results:

• TiO2 addition increased tensile strength by 12.32% to 189.41 MPa.
• Curcumin-loaded sutures demonstrated 43% radical scavenging and 98.87% antibacterial inactivation against S. aureus.
• Sutures showed bioactivity via hydroxyapatite formation, indicating tissue regeneration potential.

Conclusions:

• TiO2 and curcumin significantly enhance chitosan suture properties.
• These modified sutures are suitable for biocompatible, absorbable surgical applications.
• The enhanced sutures show promise for wound healing and tissue regeneration.