Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory surgical sutures fabricated by melt mixing of a polymer blend with curcumin-loaded microspheres

Abstract

A surgical suture is a critical medical device used to close and secure body tissues following surgery, injury, or other medical procedures, but it is often associated with the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). To mitigate this risk, drug-eluting sutures with antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties have been developed. However, the incorporation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) frequently compromises the mechanical properties of the sutures. To address these challenges, curcumin-loaded microspheres were first produced via the emulsion solvent evaporation method and then embedded into polymeric carriers of PCL-PEG using a melt-extrusion technique to achieve optimal suture diameters, thereby enhancing mechanical strength and creating an innovative drug-delivery suture system. Notably, sutures containing Cur-PLA-PEG-PCL microspheres demonstrated the highest tensile strength (170.20 ± 22.73 MPa) due to the presence of PCL. Meanwhile, sutures with Cur-PLA-PEG microspheres exhibited high breaking strength and stability during degradation, retaining 89.96% of their initial strength by Day 14. All suture samples also exhibited antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, with a direct correlation between incubation duration and antioxidant potential. These findings suggest that the sutures hold significant potential for clinical applications in improving wound healing and reducing infections. Highlights: Curcumin-loaded microspheres were produced via emulsion solvent evaporation and embedded into PCL-PEG polymer carriers using melt extrusion. PLA-PEG-PCL sutures offer a high tensile strength of 170.20 MPa. Sutures retain 89.96% strength by Day 14, showing stability in degradation. Sustained release of curcumin from the sutures provides prolonged therapeutic effects. Sutures mitigate inflammation, reducing IL-6 expression in keratinocytes.