Scientists have created sewing threads that can release drugs. Reported by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The new material is derived from the connective tissue of pigs and is generally similar to conventional catgut, which can be “absorbed” in the body. However, the authors of the new development covered it with a hydrogel into which sensors, medical supplies and even cells that secrete therapeutic molecules can be placed.
“What we offer is a tissue-derived suture material modified with a hydrogel coating that can act as a reservoir for drugs such as inflammation sensors or monoclonal antibodies needed to treat inflammation. Remarkably, the coating is also able to retain viable cells for a long time,” write the authors.
Such “smart” sutures can also be used to deliver therapeutic cells such as stem cells. To prove this possibility, the authors introduced stem cells modified to express a fluorescent marker into the material and found that the cells remained viable for at least seven days after implantation in mice.
For sensory applications, the researchers developed microparticles coated with peptides that are released when inflammation-related enzymes are found in the tissue. These peptides can be detected with a simple urine test.
The authors hope their improvement will facilitate wound healing after surgery.
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