Effect of chemotherapy and heat on biomechanical properties of absorbable sutures

Systems, Properties, Surface Modification and Applications of Biodegradable Magnesium-Based Alloys: A Review

In recent years, biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility and unique biodegradability. Many Mg alloy implants have been successfully applied in clinical medicine, and they are considered to be promising biological materials. In this article, we review the latest research progress in biodegradable Mg alloys, including research on high-performance Mg alloys, bioactive coatings and actual or potential clinical applications of Mg alloys. Finally, we review the research and development direction of biodegradable Mg alloys. This article has a guiding significance for future development and application of high-performance biodegradable Mg alloys, promoting the future advancement of the magnesium alloy research field, especially in biomedicine.

Advances in carbohydrate-based polymers for the design of suture materials: A review

Suture materials constitute one of the largest biomedical material groups with a huge global market of $ 1.3 billion annually and employment in over 12 million procedures per year. Suture materials have radically evolved over the years, from basic strips of linen to more advanced synthetic polymer sutures. Yet, the journey to the ideal suture material is far from over and we now stand on the brink of a new era of improved suture materials with greater safety and efficacy. This next step in the evolutionary timeline of suture materials, involves the use of natural, carbohydrate polymers that have, until recent years, never before been considered for suture material applications. This review exposes the latest and most important advancements in suture material development while digging deep into how natural, carbohydrate polymers can serve to advance this field.

Tensile properties of synthetic, absorbable monofilament suture materials before and after incubation in phosphate-buffered saline

OBJECTIVE

To compare tensile properties of synthetic, absorbable, monofilament suture material before and after incubation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).

STUDY DESIGN

Two sizes (2-0 and 3-0) of Biosyn, Maxon, Monocryl, PDS II, Securocryl, and Securodox were tested.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Ten suture loops per group.

METHODS

Tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of suture loops were measured at baseline and after 7, 14, 21, or 28 days of incubation in PBS.

RESULTS

Size, suture material, and size × suture material interaction influenced maximum breaking load, maximum elongation, and modulus of elasticity. At baseline, 2-0 and 3-0 Maxon had the highest breaking loads (111.67 N and 79.71 N, respectively) for their size, and 2-0 PDSII and 3-0 Securodox had the lowest (68.71 N and 48.73 N, respectively). Maxon 2-0 and 3-0 had the greatest elongations (9.68 mm and 8.45 mm, respectively) for their size, and 2-0 Biosyn and 3-0 Securocryl had the least (7.21 mm and 6.58 mm, respectively). Biosyn 2-0 and 3-0 had the highest modulus. With incubation, Maxon (2-0), PDS II (2-0, 3-0), and Securodox (2-0, 3-0) maintained or gained strength over 4 weeks. Strengths of 2-0 and 3-0 Biosyn and 3-0 Maxon were maintained for 2 weeks, while Monocryl and Securocryl lost 20% to 44% of baseline strength within 1 week and 60% to 72% within 2 weeks. Day 7 strengths of 2-0 Biosyn and 2-0 Monocryl were greater than baseline strength of 2-0 PDS II. Strength of 3-0 Biosyn at day 14 was greater than strength of Monocryl at days 7 and 14 and greater than strength of 3-0 PDS II, 3-0 Securodox, and 3-0 Securocryl at baseline and days 7 and 14.

CONCLUSION

Suture tensile properties varied with suture size, composition, and brand. At baseline, Maxon suture had the greatest strength and elongation, and Biosyn had the greatest stiffness.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Tensile strength retention, when reported as a percentage of original strength, provides insufficient information for comparison of suture tensile properties.

N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine-Loaded Chitosan Filaments Biodegradable and Biocompatible for Use as Absorbable Surgical Suture Materials

The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan (CS) filaments incorporated with N-acetyl-D-Glucosamine (GlcNAc), using the wet spinning method, in order to combine the GlcNAc pharmacological properties with the CS biological properties for use as absorbable suture materials. The filaments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), uniaxial tensile testing, in vitro biodegradation, and through in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity studies. It was observed that the addition of GlcNAc did not alter the morphology of the filaments. The CS and CS/GlcNAc filaments presented diameters 145 µm and 148 µm, respectively, and the surfaces were homogeneous. Although the mechanical resistance of the chitosan filaments decreased with the incorporation of the GlcNAc drug, this property was greater than the mean values indicated in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (1.7 N) for suture number 6-0 (filament diameter of 100–149 μm). The biodegradation of the CS filaments was accelerated by the addition of GlcNAc. After 35 days, the CS/GlcNAc filaments degradability was at its total, and for the CS filaments it was acquired in 49 days. The in vitro kinetic of the release process was of the zero-order and Hopfenberg models, controlled by both diffusion and erosion process. The in vitro cytotoxicity data of the CS and CS/GlcNAc filaments toward L929 cells showed that these filaments are nontoxic to these cells. Thus, the GlcNAc-loaded CS filaments might be promising as absorbable suture materials. In addition, this medical device may be able to enhance healing processes, relieve pain, and minimize infection at the surgery site due the prolonged release of GlcNAc.