Sutures modified by silver-loaded montmorillonite with antibacterial properties

Montmorillonite (Mt) was modified via cation-exchange using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as a precursor to exchange the Na+ in the Mt interlayer space and produce (Ag(+)Mt). The twice dipping and twice rolling method was subsequently used to further strengthen sutures (Ag(+)Mt/sutures). When the blood and tissue compatibility of the Ag+Mt/sutures prepared by different processes was assessed, the Ag+Mt/sutures were discovered to exhibit good blood and tissue biocompatibilities. Subsequently, when the antibacterial properties were examined, the Ag(+)Mt/sutures were found to inhibit bacterial growth by 99 +/- 0.9% for both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.