Fabrication and characterization of novel antibacterial silk sutures with different braiding parameters

We explored novel antibacterial braided silk sutures based on levofloxacin hydrochloride and polycaprolactone to obtain sustained-release antibacterial efficacy. This study focused on the effect of braiding parameters on the antibacterial efficacy of braided silk sutures. A series of braids was fabricated with different take-up speeds obtained by changing cogwheel ratios on a circular braiding machine. Antibacterial efficacy, drug release characteristics, and mechanical property were analyzed. Antibacterial specimens showed ideal bacterial reduction. In the drug release profiles, braided silk sutures manufactured at higher cogwheel ratios showed a less significant initial drug burst. In addition, the total drug release amount after 5 days was similar for all samples. Hence, the result of drug release profiles may give some inspiration for the control of drug release in the manufacture of antibacterial braided silk sutures. Moreover, all the samples fulfilled the knot-pull tensile strength requirement of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.