[Controlled experimental histological and microbiological studies on the inhibitory effect of polyglycolic acid...

In the first experimental series, 3-0 PGS sutures which had been contaminated with staphylococcus aureus were situated in rat muscle in vivo. After periods of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days, these sutures were removed and investigated histologically. After 20 days, the tissue surrounding the suture surface was much inflamed, showing inflammation cells and bacteriae, whereas after 60 days no signs of inflammation were to be seen. By hydrolysis of the PGS thread to the monomere glycolic acid, a bacteriostatic and bactericidal milieu seems to develop. In the second experimental series, purely in vitro, the fungicidal and bactericidal properties of glycolic acid were proved microbiologically. Furthermore, in two investigations PGS did not show fungicidal or bactericidal properties. When using PGS sutures, inhibition of the growth of fungi and bacteriae is based on the hydrolysis of PGS to glycolic acid.