An illustration of the core-sheath structure and mechano-electrical conversion mechanism of the bioabsorbable electrical stimulation suture (BioES suture). Credit: Zhouquan Sun and Chengyi Hou
A team of Chinese chemical fiber and polymer materials researchers have found that using in-house produced, electrically charged sutures can speed up the healing process after surgery in rats. In their study published in Natural communicationsthe group developed a type of suture that generates its own electricity inside the body and tested it in the laboratory and on live rats.
Previous research has shown that applying electricity to wounds can speed healing: it attracts fibroblasts, which play a major role in the healing process. Previous research has also shown that applying an electrical current to conductive sutures can promote healing. But these sutures require an external power source or a bulky battery. In this new effort, the research team found a way to power the sutures using interactions between the sutures and surrounding tissue.
The sutures were made from biodegradable polymers and magnesium, both of which can be safely absorbed by the body over time.
When muscles and other tissues around the site of surgery move, the middle layer of sutures rubs against the outer layer, transferring electrons. The resulting electricity travels through the rest of the suture, stimulating the tissues that have been sewn together.
The sutures are only 350 microns, the size needed to close wounds. Since they are biodegradable, doctors would not need to remove them.
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A photograph of the bioabsorbable electrical stimulation suture (BioES suture). Credit: Zhouquan Sun and Chengyi Hou
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An illustration of the wound sealing and healing functions offered by bioresorbable electrical stimulation suture (BioES-suture). Credit: Zhouquan Sun and Chengyi Hou
In laboratory experiments, the sutures were found to be capable of generating 2.3 volts during normal activity. When used with living tissue, the sutures accelerate healing by 50% compared to non-electrified sutures. They also resulted in decreased bacteria levels, even when standard disinfectants were not used.
The research team then tested their sutures on rats and observed faster healing and fewer infections. They plan to test their sutures on larger animals before eventually moving on to human trials.
More information:
Zhouquan Sun et al, A bioabsorbable mechanoelectric fiber as an electrical stimulation suture, Natural communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52354-x
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