Catgut enriched with CuSO4 nanoparticles as a surgical suture: Morphology, Antibacterial activity, Cytotoxicity and Tissue reaction

Catgut was enriched with copper sulfate nanoparticles (CSNPs@Catgut), in order to develop a new composited suture with antibacterial and healing properties. Introducing copper sulfate nanoparticles to catgut was performed using a reverse micro-emulsion technique. It is an interesting method because of easy handling and relatively low costs. In the revers micro-emulsion medium, nano-spherical structures containing the salt solution are created. The nano-spheres penetrate into catgut fibers and precipitate after drying to form the salt nanoparticles. The prepared CSNPs@Catgut was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XDR) technique, tensile strength, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity tests. XRD and SEM confirmed the CuSO4 nanoparticles formation and grafting on catgut surface. Antibacterial properties were illustrated by E. coli inhibition zone and CSNPs@Catgut showed a significant antibacterial activity compare with catgut. Results of cytotoxicity tests showed no difference between CSNPs@Catgut and catgut. The mechanical strength was improved and increased from 4.16 mm to 10.00 mm. Tissue reaction showed that necrosis and inflammatory cells were reduced from acute to subacute on day 14. Therefore, CSNPs@Catgut can be introduced as a reliable candidate for wound management.