In Vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Sutures Coated With Aloe vera and Ciprofloxacin: A Comparative Evaluation

BACKGROUND: Sutures which are used for wound approximation can act as a reservoir of microbes at the surgical site leading to increased chances of surgical site infection (SSI). Sutures used in oral cavity are continuously bathed in saliva which results in wicking. Several studies on sutures treated with nanoparticles, antibacterial agent and various drugs to advance the therapeutical value of surgical sutures are in consideration, drug-eluting sutures has been notable in research to deliver localized effect on the site of incision. Ciprofloxacin and Aloe vera are routinely used agents in coating sutures. AIM: This study is to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and oral biofilm inhibition of Ciprofloxacin and Aloe vera coated 3-0 silk sutures in comparison to uncoated sutures against E.coli. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Equal segments of ciprofloxacin and aloe vera coated 3-0 silk sutures are to be incubated in E.coli culture media (blood agar) at 37°C for 24 hours in aerobic atmosphere. Plain uncoated suture served as control. Assessment was done using Total Colony Forming Units and biofilm inhibition potential of sutures. Results awaited. RESULTS: The zone of inhibition around ciprofloxacin coated suture is nearly double than that of with Aloe vera indicted that antibacterial efficacy of ciprofloxacin is more comparatively. No inhibition zone around uncoated plain 3-0 braided silk shows that it has no significant antibacterial activity. CONCLUSION: Within limitation of our study, it can be concluded that both ciprofloxacin and Aloe vera coated sutures have antibacterial property against gram negative E. coli and can have a promising role in prevention of SSI although it would require further in vivo validation.