Novel amino acid based nanogel conjugated suture for antibacterial application

. Triclosan-loaded nanogel grafted silk sutures (TLNGSs) were characterized by an antibacterial activity assessment. Our results showed that TLNGS had long-term efficacy against pathogens such as S. aureus and E. coli. In particular, these TLNGSs had a relative decreased stable size of inhibition zones on agar plates in the first four days. The antibacterial activity could be sufficient evidence of the prevention of potential early wound infections. The mechanical strength tests indicated negligible influence on TLNGSs compared to commercial ones. The novel antibacterial silk sutures showed acceptable in vitro cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5. This novel biocompatible and biodegradable nanogel grafting to silk sutures provides an effective and universal approach for the treatment of bacterial infections.