Antibacterial Efficacy of Oregano-Carbon Nanotubes Coated Silk Sutures: An In Vitro Experimental Study.

INTRODUCTION

Microbial infections following surgery or other medical procedures are a major health issue. To avoid or reduce the risk of infections, research is now concentrated on creating novel drug-free materials with antibacterial qualities. Sutures coated with antimicrobial agents are one way to prevent surgical site infections.

AIM: To develop and characterize an oregano-carbon nanotubes/polycaprolactone (PCL)-chitosan composite coating and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of sutures coated with this formulation.

METHODS

The dipping solution was prepared, and characterization was performed using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. Antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was evaluated after 1, 3 and 5 days using the colony-forming unit (CFU).

RESULTS

Oregano-carbon nanotubes/PCL-chitosan composite coated sutures showed higher antibacterial activity compared to uncoated ones at all tested time intervals.

CONCLUSION

Oregano-carbon nanotubes/PCL-chitosan composite could be a promising candidate as a natural-derived suture coating to guard against surgical site infection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the potential use of oregano-carbon nanotubes/PCL-chitosan composite as a suture coating.