Suture Materials: Conventional and Stimulatory-Responsive Absorbable Polymers with Biomimetic Function

Suture materials are of pivotal importance in the process of wound healing, as they provide support to growing tissue. The application of suture materials is an intricate process that extends beyond mere closure of skin wounds. Rather, it encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures. It is evident that suture materials possess a high degree of versatility, as evidenced by their application in a broad range of surgical disciplines, including, but not limited to, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, vascular surgery and ocular surgery. Additionally, their application extends to wound treatment and the repair of the musculo-skeletal system and the urogenital tract. This review underscores the pivotal role of sutures in contemporary medicine and surgery. The selection of suture material must be made with the utmost attention to the physical and biological characteristics of the material concerned. The process is characterised by a multifaceted evaluation encompassing the following: first, the assessment of the wound in question; secondly, the healing rate of different tissue types; and thirdly, a thorough appraisal of the patient’s overall physical condition. Advances in suture material technology have given rise to a wider range of sutures, thereby enhancing the existing array of options. Simultaneously, suture needles have undergone a progressive process of technological refinement, resulting in a more comprehensive range of alternatives with a heightened level of precision for specific applications in tissue engineering. Recent experimental investigations have employed an animal model, underpinned by biomechanical analysis. It is evident from the findings of these studies that absorbable sutures fulfil a scaffolding function. The hypothesis concerning the biomimetic function of the materials under investigation was corroborated by the results of biomechanical behaviour and histological examination. This review explores the functionality of both absorbable sutures and novel polymers, investigating their potential application as scaffolding materials within clinical contexts.