synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles and its immobilization on alginate coated sutures for the prevention of surgical wound infections and the in vitro release studies

the silver nanoparticles are well-known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory wound healing abilities. we synthesized silver nanoparticles using chemical reduction method and the formation of the silver nanoparticles was characterized by uv-vis absorption spectroscopy, ft-ir and sem techniques. the minimum inhibitory concentration of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined for both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. then these nanoparticles were coated over an absorbable surgical gut suture, after the immobilization of them in sodium alginate, by slurry dipping technique. the controlled release of the nanoparticles checked in vitro in simulated body fluid. antimicrobial activity also evaluated by disc diffusion method on the culture plates of e. coli and s. aureus. the successful release of silver nanoparticles under physiological ph depicts the applicability of this novel suture in surgery for the prevention of surgical wound infection and to enhance wound healing.