ABSORBABLE MONOFILAMENT ANTIMICROBIAL COATED SUTURE

Abstract

Despite advancements in surgical techniques and the establishment of systematic antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical site infections remain a significant complication following surgery. To mitigate the risk of surgical site infections, antimicrobial sutures have been developed. These sutures are coated or impregnated with antibacterial substances that are toxic to bacteria. The coatings are designed to prevent bacterial adherence and proliferation on the suture material by interfering with essential cellular processes within the bacterial cells. Linezolid is a synthetic antibiotic that belongs to the oxazolidinone class and is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria. Linezolid works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It targets the bacterial ribosome, specifically binding to the 23S rRNA of the SOS subunit. This binding prevents the formation of the initiation complex essential for protein synthesis. It has become a crucial option in the treatment of infections caused by resistant strains of gram-positive cocci, including mcthicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Administering linezolid via surgical sutures offers a promising approach to reducing the incidence of surgical site infections, which can lead to significant healthcare cost savings. By preventing infections, minimizing surgical revisions and readmissions, and improving patient outcomes, linezolid-coated sutures have the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of surgical care, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare systems. 1. Kathju S, Nistico L, Tower I, Lasko LA, Stoodley P. Bacterial biofilms on implanted suture material are a cause of surgical site infection. Surg Infect. 2014 Oct 1 ;15(5): 592-600. 2. Prakash B, Veeregowda BM, Krishnappa G. Biofilms: a survival strategy of bacteria. Curr Sci. 2003 Nov 10;85(9): 1299-307. 3. Ban KA, Minei JP, Laronga C, Harbrecht BG, Jensen EH, Fry DE, et al. American college of surgeons and surgical infection society: surgical site infection guidelines, 2016 update. J Am Coll Surg. 2017;224(l):59-74. 4. De Lissovoy G, Fraeman K, Hutchins V, Murphy D, Song D, Vaughn BB. Surgical site infection: incidence and impact on hospital utilization and treatment costs. Am J Infect Control. 2009;37(5):387-97. 5. Nalcway SE, Lear W, Kruzic JJ, Maughan CB. Mechanical properties of suture materials in general and cutaneous surgery. J Biomed Mater Res B. 2015 May;103(4):735-42. 6. Kamaly N, Yameen B, Wu J, Farokhzad OC. Degradable controlled-release polymers and polymeric nanoparticles: mechanisms of controlling drug release. Chem Rev. 2016 Feb 24;116(4):2602-63. 7. Kalelkar PP, Riddick M, Garcia AJ. Biomaterial-based antimicrobial therapies for the treatment of bacterial infections. Nat Rev Mater. 2022 Jan;7(l):39-54 8. Abbas ,M, Pittet D. Surgical site infection prevention: a global priority. J Hosp Infect. 2016 Aug I ;93(4):319-22.

Specification

Title of invention
Linezolid is a synthetic antibiotic from the oxazolidinone class, effective against a range of
bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant strains. It functions by
inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, specifically binding to the 23S rRNA of the SOS ribosomal
subunit, which prevents the formation of the initiation complex needed for protein synthesis. In
this context, the current invention aimed to enhance the properties of Monocryl™ suture material
by coating it with linezolid.


Background of Invention
Sutures are medical devices used by healthcare professionals to hold tissues together and
promote healing after surgery or injury. They play a crucial role in wound closure, minimizing
bleeding, and supporting the healing process by providing mechanical strength to the wound site.
Surgical site infections are a major issue in surgical practice because they adversely affect patient
outcomes and increase healthcare costs. SSIs are relatively common following surgery. To
prevent complications such as wound infections, inflammation, and rejection reactions after
suturing, oral anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medications are typically prescribed. However,
excessive use of oral medications can have detrimental effects on healthy tissues. To minimize
oral medication intake, it is advantageous to target the wound directly. One effective approach to
reducing wound infections is incorporating anti-inflammatory or antibacterial agents into the
surgical suture itself.


Figure description
101 - Linezolid coated Ethicon Monocryl™ surgical suture

• Antibiotic-coatcd sutures are surgical sutures that have been treated with antimicrobial
agents to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. These specialized sutures are designed
to provide localized antibiotic delivery at the wound site, minimizing the risk of infection
and promoting better healing outcomes.
• The primary purpose of antibiotic-coated sutures is to prevent surgical site infections, a
common complication following surgical procedures. SSIs can lead to prolonged hospital
stays, increased healthcare costs, and adverse patient outcomes.
• By delivering antibiotics directly to the wound site, these sutures help prevent bacterial
colonization and infection without relying solely on systemic antibiotics.
• Localized antibiotic delivery helps reduce the need for systemic antibiotics, thereby
minimizing the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• By preventing infections, antibiotic-coated sutures contribute to faster and more effective
wound healing

Claims of invention
l - We claim that this novel approach of incorporating linezolid into surgical suture will find its
place in preventing surgical site infections. Also, this could potentially enhance the sutures'
ability to prevent infections at the surgical site, further improving patient outcomes and reducing
the risk of complications.

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