NEW sutures can be used to deliver drugs, prevent infections and monitor wounds.
Developed by researchers in Montreal, the sutures were inspired by human tendons and use gel sheathing to protect soft tissue.
Sutures are used to close wounds and speed up the healing process, but their stiff fibres can also cause soft tissue damage.
The new tough gel sheathed sutures contain a slippery, but tough gel substance, imitating the structure of connective tissues.
Researchers found that damage caused by traditional sutures was significantly reduced by the gel surface.
Lead author and McGill University PhD student Zhenwei Ma said the human body and the loose connective tissue of its endotenon sheath served as perfect inspiration for the innovation.
"It binds collagen fibres together while its elastin network strengthens it," Zhenwei said.
Jianyu Li, who supervised the project, said the technology would prove to be a useful and versatile tool for wound management.
"We believe it could be used to deliver drugs, prevent infections, or even monitor wounds with near-infrared imaging," Assistant Professor Li said.
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