Biodegradable surgical sutures, in modern surgical practice, have given surgeons the ability to close wounds without the need for a second operation to remove them after suturing. Fibroin is a concrete example of an innovation-basedalternative to traditional synthetic sutures. In particular, it has been extensively studied for its mechanical properties, which make it ideal for withstanding high tensions during the post-operative phase.
A technical article in the Journal of Surgical Research compared the results obtained with surgical sutures composed of fibroin and sericin versus traditional synthetic sutures. The results showed that silk-derived sutures demonstrate better tissue integration and a lower incidence of inflammatory reactions compared to synthetic sutures. Additionally, sericin's ability to express antimicrobial properties has helped reduce the risk of post-operative infections, a very common problem in surgical procedures. This aspect was particularly evident in clinical studies on patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery, where fibroin and sericin proved to ensure both aesthetic and functional wound closure.
An interesting perspective concerns the use of these sutures in specific contexts, such as pediatric surgery. Since children grow rapidly, surgical sutures must be able to adapt to this growth process without causing complications. Fibroin and sericin, thanks to their controlled degradability, seem to be perfect for this purpose. Preliminary studies have shown that sutures composed of these proteins can degrade uniformly, avoiding residual accumulations that could interfere with bone and muscle growth. This approach offers new opportunities to improve surgical outcomes in young patients, providing temporary support that adapts to the dynamics of the growing body.
Another important aspect is the ability to chemically modify fibroin and sericin to optimize their properties. This chemical modification improves their resistance to hydrolysis, allowing for a longer duration at the surgical site without compromising biodegradability. This approach allows balancing the need to keep the suture in position during the critical healing phase and ensuring its complete degradation afterward.
The combination of fibroin with other biocompatible materials is creating a new operational laboratory related to the development of advanced surgical sutures. It has also been demonstrated that the inclusion of carbon nanotubes in fibroin and sericin sutures can improve their electrical conductivity, making them ideal for neurosurgical applications. These sutures can be used to connect damaged nerves, facilitating electrochemical signal transmission and promoting nerve regeneration. This multimodal approach, combining mechanical, biological, and electrical properties, represents a new frontier in advanced surgery, offering new possibilities for improving clinical outcomes in delicate procedures.
