Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop drug releasing polylactic acid (PLA) suture. PLA suture was taken for the research work. The material was analyzed, its properties, such as tensile strength, elongation, knot strength and diameter. Biopolymers such as chitosan, sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and their blends were coated on the suture material. The polymer coated samples were subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Bacteria present in wound samples were found out using different biochemical methods. The results show that Staphylococcus aureus and proteus was found in the wound samples. Tetracycline hydrochloride, rifampin and chloramphenicol drugs were selected based on the antibiotic sensitivity test. These drugs were then incorporated into the polymer coated samples using immersion method. All the drug loaded samples were subjected to drug release study for about four days in static condition. Further, the drug loaded samples were subjected to antimicrobial test. Hence these sutures are quite suitable for wound healing in addition to wound closing.

Key words: Alginate, antimicrobial, bacteria, biopolymer, chitosan, suture.