Absorbable Suture Materials: Preparation and Properties

Sutures are transient implant, sterile fibers used to close wounds and provide strength during the wound-healing process. In ancient periods, metal wires and natural fibers were used for this purpose. Later on, synthetic fibers like polyamides, polyesters, polypropylene, etc., which are more compatible to human tissues, were introduced. These suture materials are biostable and retain their strength for several years. After successful wound healing, the suture has to be removed in a separate operation. The use of plain catgut, a collagen-based material of natural origin, as an absorbable suture was described as early as 175 A. D. [1, 2]. As the name implies, absorbable sutures degrade in the body environment and lose their strength within a few months. In 1966, polylactic acid (PLA) was found to be an absorbable, nontoxic, and nonirritating synthetic material useful for surgical applications [3]. This led to introduction of the polymer of glycolic acid and its copolymer with lactic acid as successful materials for absorbable sutures [4–6]. Recent studies have shown that polydioxanone [7] and polytrimethylene carbonate [8] are also promising materials for absorbable sutures.