Drug-eluting silk sutures to retard post-operative surgical site infections

Surgical site infection due to biofilm formation is a common clinical complication in post-operative patients. Surgical site infection is the main complication in the case of gastrointestinal (appendectomy, genitourinary), colorectal, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy, Caesarean section, abortion, traumatic wound and ophthalmic surgeries. Hence, the main aim of this study was to prepare antibacterial suture materials to prevent the biofilm formation. Surface characterization of drug-coated sutures was chemically analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of drug-coated sutures was analysed qualitatively (Agar diffusion test) and quantitatively (bacterial adherence test). Persistence of drugs in the sutures after the elution period was analysed by serial plate transfer test. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed two peak values for drugs (1450.52 and 2870.17). Largest inhibition zone for Staphylococcus aureus (39 mm) was reported; quantitative analysis confirmed significant reduction ( p < 0.05) of adhered bacteria in drug-carrier-coated sutures than that of carrier-coated sutures ( p > 0.05). Serial plate transfer test indicated the persistence of drug after 5 weeks. In conclusion, the antimicrobial activity and persistence property of these drug-eluting silk sutures could be of great interest for the prevention of surgical site infections.