Biodegradable polymeric wires: monofilament and multifilament

Abstract

Chitosan has been widely studied for use in different biomaterial applications. The aim of our study was to produce biodegradable threads of chitosan mono- and multifilaments for possible use as sutures by using the wet spinning technique. We obtained the wires by using a chitosan solution at 4%, and aqueous solution of NaOH 1 M as coagulating bath. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used. We also compared the mechanical properties of wires with and without the presence of a knot. Our results show that the chitosan wires have a cylindrical morphology and that the multifilament wires are 74.4% larger in diameter compared to monofilament wires. We also show that multifilament wires have a higher tensile strength Finally, we show that chitosan wires hold promise for use as surgical sutures because their mechanical properties are compatible with the U.S. Pharmacopeia specifications for surgical sutures.