Silver Lining: Wound Care with Nanoparticle-impregnated Silk Sutures

The most widely used surgical equipment is suture material. Used appropriately, when indicated, it aids hemostasis and wound healing. However, it allows the formation of biofilm and changes the microenvironment of the surgical site resulting in surgical site infection (SSI). SSIs can lead to wound gaping and delayed wound healing resulting in longer hospitalizations. Research and developments in material science have brought antibiotic-coated sutures to markets. Silver is also known to possess anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. In this paper we present the process and evaluate the properties of silk sutures impregnated with silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticle impregnated sutures were superior to conventional sutures and could be produced inexpensively.