Antibacterial Surgical Sutures Developed Using Electrostatic Yarn Wrapping Technology

Abstract

A significant amount of research has been conducted on applying functional materials as surgical sutures. Therefore, research on how to solve the shortcomings of surgical sutures through available materials has been given increasing attention. In this study, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)/PVP/zinc acetate nanofibers were coated on absorbable collagen sutures using an electrostatic yarn winding technique. The metal disk of an electrostatic yarn spinning machine gathers nanofibers between two needles with positive and negative charges. By adjusting the positive and negative voltage, the liquid in the spinneret is stretched into fibers. The selected materials are toxicity free and have high biocompatibility. Test results indicate that the nanofiber membrane comprises evenly formed nanofibers despite the presence of zinc acetate. In addition, zinc acetate can effectively kill 99.9% of E. coli and S. aureus. Cell assay results indicate that HPC/PVP/Zn nanofiber membranes are not toxic; moreover, they improve cell adhesion, suggesting that the absorbable collagen surgical suture is profoundly wrapped in a nanofiber membrane that exerts antibacterial efficacy and reduces inflammation, thus providing a suitable environment for cell growth. The employment of electrostatic yarn wrapping technology is proven effective in providing surgical sutures with antibacterial efficacy and a more flexible range of functions.