Scientists say the new type of surgical suture they have developed is as strong as traditional sutures, turning a disadvantage of sutures into a positive. While regular sutures can have problems if they move too much, the suture developed by a team of Chinese researchers generates an electrical charge when it stretches. guardian I liken it to “when you rub a balloon on your hair.” Electric fields have been shown to speed healing, and the researchers found that in experiments on rats, wounds treated with new stitches healed almost 50% faster.
The research team found that the new stitches also limit bacterial growth through electrical stimulation, reducing the risk of infection. In a study published in a journal nature communicationsresearchers announced that they have developed a “passive biodegradable mechanoelectric suture” consisting of a core filament of magnesium wrapped in two layers of biodegradable material. “Based on the triboelectric effect, the suture generates electricity by creating opposite charges in the middle and outer shell of the suture when the muscle relaxes or contracts,” said co-author Chengyi. Hou said. “This creates an electric field at the wound site, which promotes wound healing.”
Like other modern sutures, the sutures are made of bioabsorbable material, which eliminates the need for removal and reduces the risk of infection. Human clinical trials are underway, and the cost of the suture is similar to that of other bioabsorbable sutures, according to the research team. guardian I will report it. (More on the suture thread.)