Comparative Assessment of Triclosan-Coated, Chlorhexidine-Coated, and Un-Coated Resorbable Sutures: An in-vitro Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to standardize the effective antimicrobial dose per unit length of suture and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of coated resorbable Vicryl sutures against oral commensals responsible for surgical-site infections. Methods: The study used three types of commercially available 3-0 Vicryl sutures (uncoated, triclosan-coated, chlorhexidine-coated) each cut into 5-centimetre piece, and immersed in bacterial suspension (S. aureus, Streptococcus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis). Bacterial counts on Days 3, 5, and 7 evaluated both the overall efficacy and specific antimicrobial activity of coated versus uncoated sutures. Result: The study included 241 samples. For all tested bacterial species, uncoated sutures consistently showed the highest bacterial growth by Day 7 [S. aureus: 223.94 ± 34.19; Streptococcus: 225.77(28.9); P. aeruginosa: 229.49(27.45); E. faecalis: 207.84(47.65)], while antimicrobial-coated sutures significantly inhibited growth, with triclosan-coated sutures demonstrating the lowest counts for S. aureus [74.68(10.8)], Streptococcus [77.93(14.44)], and E. faecalis [83.34(9.71)], and chlorhexidine-coated sutures showing the lowest for P. aeruginosa [81.73(11.67)] by Day 7. Conclusion: Triclosan and chlorhexidine-coated sutures showed sustained antimicrobial efficacy, with triclosan being more effective against gram-positive bacteria and chlorhexidine against gram-negative, while 5 cm of coated suture sufficed for effective action.