Functional core-shell poly (lactic acid) / cellulose acetate-cefazolin coated sutures for accelerated wound healing

The design of multifunctional, bioactive, and biodegradable suture materials represents a promising alternative to conventional wound closure methods. In this study, Sterilactin® PLGA sutures were coated with core-shell nanofibers composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cellulose acetate (CA) incorporating Cefazolin (CEF) to provide both mechanical integrity and localized antibacterial activity. The electrospun nanofibers exhibited uniform morphology with high swelling capacity and structural stability. Antibiotic release studies showed an initial burst release within the first hours, ensuring rapid antibacterial protection. PLA/CA-CEF nanofiber mats demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. In vivo studies confirmed accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammation, and improved collagen organization in animals treated with PLA/CA-CEF-coated sutures compared to conventional sutures. These results suggest that PLA/CA-CEF nanofiber-coated sutures serve as an effective bioactive macromolecular system for enhanced wound healing through controlled local antibiotic delivery.