Loading and release of ibuprofen in multi- and monofilament surgical sutures.

The preparation of mono- and multifilament sutures incorporating ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory agent is considered. Poly(p-dioxanone) monofilament samples can be loaded by a molecular diffusion process using a swelling agent such as dichloromethane. The mechanical properties have been measured and have not shown a significant change for the ibuprofen loaded samples in knot tensile assays. The kinetics of both the loading process and the release in a Sörensen's medium at 37 degrees C have been investigated. Diffusion coefficients have also been estimated from film and slab poly(p-dioxanone) samples containing ibuprofen and their release behavior compared to that shown by monofilaments. Release from a coating copolymer based on lactide, epsilon-caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate (PLA/PCA/PTMC 10/60/30) has also been studied. This coating solubilizes ibuprofen molecules well and can be used for braided sutures or when a rapid dose of ibuprofen is preferred.