N-halamines functionalized PCL nanofibrous yarns with antimicrobial properties for sutures applications

Post-surgical site infections (PSSI) pose significant challenges in clinic treatment, and the antibacterial modification of medical materials is an effective strategy to combat these issues. In this work, a monomeric N-halamines (DCDMH) was doped in PCL matrix via electrospinning process, and further processed using a conventional twisting method to yield nanofiber-based yarns. The micro/nano-structure of the PCL-based electrospun nanofibrous yarns (ENYs) enables the effective release of N-halamines and exhibits suitable storage stability after 30 days. The N-halamine modified ENYs effectively inhibited 100 % of E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus , and C. albicans within 1 min, resulting impressive antimicrobial capacities. The effect of N-halamines dosage on the morphology and mechanical properties of fabricated ENYs was assessed. Furthermore, the in vitro degradation, hemocompatibility, and protein adsorption properties of the synthesized nanofibrous yarns were also evaluated. The prepared ENYs with good hemocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, suggesting a novel approach for the development of medical materials, specifically for surgical sutures materials.