Breaking strength and elasticity of synthetic absorbable suture materials incubated in phosphate-buffered saline solution, milk, and milk contaminated with Streptococcus agalactiae.
OBJECTIVE
To determine in vitro effects of PBSS, milk, and bacteria-contaminated milk (BCM; contaminated by Streptococcus agalactiae) on properties of 3 synthetic absorbable suture materials.


METHODS
3 types of synthetic absorbable suture materials (poliglecaprone 25, polyglycolic acid, and polydioxanone).


METHODS
Suture materials were tested to determine breaking strength and elasticity before (day 0) and after incubation in 3 media (PBSS, milk, and BCM) for 7, 14, and 21 days. A loop of suture material was elongated at a rate of 60 mm/min until it reached the breaking point. Tensile properties were statistically analyzed among media and incubation times.


RESULTS
Incubation in milk and BCM significantly decreased breaking strength and elasticity of poliglecaprone 25, compared with results for incubation in PBSS. Incubation in BCM significantly decreased tensile properties of polyglycolic acid suture, compared with results for incubation in PBSS and milk. After incubation for 21 days, tensile properties of polydioxanone did not differ significantly among the media but were significantly decreased from values on day 0.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of this study, poliglecaprone 25 is an inappropriate suture material for use in teat surgery. Polyglycolic acid suture should be avoided in teats of cattle with mastitis. Of the suture materials tested, polydioxanone was best suited for use in teat surgery, as determined on the basis of material testing after incubation in milk, even when the milk was contaminated with bacteria.
Nichols
Sylvain
S
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Anderson
David E
DE
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004548:Elasticity; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000601:surgery; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary*; D008892:Milk / Q000382:microbiology; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae; D013537:Sutures
D012965:Sodium Chloride