A drug-carrying, multiscene, absorbable biological suture from fish swim bladder

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Traditional sutures present limitations in mechanical properties and biocompatibility for complex wound closures.
• Novel absorbable biological sutures are needed to overcome challenges in diverse anatomical environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel drug-eluting, multi-scene absorbable biological suture from decellularized fish swim bladder.
• To assess the suture's mechanical performance, pH resistance, and efficacy in reducing foreign body reactions and promoting wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Fish swim bladders were decellularized and functionalized with necrostatin-1 (NEC-1) or rapamycin (RAPA).
• Sutures were tested for cytotoxicity, mechanical properties (tensile, acid/alkali resistance), and in vivo efficacy in rat models for venous, arterial, intestinal, gastric, and abdominal wall closures.
• Histological and SEM analyses were performed to evaluate inflammatory responses and tissue integration.

Main Results:

• NEC-1 sutures exhibited superior tensile strength and maintained integrity in acidic/alkaline conditions.
• Drug-loaded sutures inhibited cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis and significantly reduced foreign body reactions (smaller capsule area, fewer macrophages).
• NEC-1 sutures demonstrated strong suppression of neovascularization, while all suture types achieved successful, leak-free wound closures.

Conclusions:

• Fish swim bladder-derived sutures are applicable across multiple tissue types.
• Staged drug release from these sutures significantly reduces inflammatory responses.
• These novel sutures offer a promising alternative for multi-tissue surgical repairs.