Berberine–Chitosan Nanoparticle–Coated Suture Materials for Controlled Drug Delivery: An In-Vitro Evaluation of Release Kinetics

Abstract

Background: Surgical sutures are essential for wound closure but may also act as substrates for microbial colonization, contributing to postoperative infections and delayed healing. Incorporation of therapeutic agents into suture materials provides an opportunity for localized drug delivery. Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties; however, its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability. Chitosan nanoparticles offer a promising delivery platform to enhance sustained release and therapeutic efficacy.

Objective: To develop berberine–chitosan nanoparticle (BCNP)–coated sutures and evaluate their in-vitro drug delivery rate and release kinetics.

Materials and Methods: BCNPs were synthesized using ionic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate as a crosslinking agent. Surgical sutures were coated using a dip-coating technique followed by mild crosslinking. Drug release was evaluated using a dialysis method in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37 °C. Samples were collected at predetermined time points up to 72 h and analyzed spectrophotometrically.

Results: BCNP-coated sutures demonstrated a biphasic release pattern with an initial mild burst release within the first 6 h followed by sustained release up to 72 h. The cumulative drug release reached 89.6 ± 3.5% at 72 h, indicating effective drug encapsulation and controlled delivery.

Conclusion: Berberine–chitosan nanoparticle–coated sutures exhibit sustained localized drug release and show potential as bioactive wound closure materials for surgical applications.