Time-Dependent Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Dual-Functional Suture Fibers for Surgical Treatment

Sutures, as essential surgical devices, are predominantly fabricated from melt-spun aliphatic polyesters. However, conventional sutures lack critical biological functionalities, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and antibacterial properties, which are vital for promoting wound healing across different stages. To address this limitation, we developed a dual-functional suture fiber by integrating ceria nanoparticles (CeNPs) into poly(lactic acid) (polylactic acid) via melt spinning, followed by surface coating with copper alginate. The crystalline structure induced by CeNPs, combined with the drawing process, ensured that the fiber's mechanical properties met the stringent demands of wound closure. The strategic incorporation of Ce within the fiber and Cu on the surface endowed the suture with time-dependent functionalities: sustained hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging for long-term ROS mitigation and early stage antibacterial activity to prevent infection. This dual functionality effectively reduced ROS-induced cellular damage and suppressed infectious inflammation, thereby accelerating wound healing. In vivo evaluations in subcutaneous, liver, spleen, stomach, and cecum implantation models demonstrated the individual and synergistic effects of Cu and Ce in alleviating inflammation and enhancing tissue regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of the dual-functional suture as a highly promising candidate for clinical applications in surgical procedures.