MIT: Smart surgical threads

2023: Smart Thread Announcement

On May 16, 2023, US researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reported the development of smart surgical threads that, in addition to their main function, can recognize the appearance of foci of inflammation.

We are talking about the use of special material of organic origin. Scientists say that ancient Roman doctors used ketgut, a self-absorbent suture made of purified connective tissue. Ketgut sutures form strong joints that naturally resolve within about 90 days. The MIT team decided to investigate whether this material could be modified to perform additional functions, such as detecting inflammatory reactions and delivering drugs.

MIT: Smart surgical threads

To do this, the researchers covered the surgical threads with a special hydrogel, which can include various fillers. These are, in particular, microparticles capable of recognizing foci of infection, as well as various drugs, for example, antibiotics or chemotherapeutic substances. Moreover, the rate of release of the filler can be controlled. Smart suture can also be used to deliver stem cells.

The researchers focused on operations related to the gastrointestinal tract. With such procedures, inflammatory reactions pose a great danger. Smart seams in this case will be able to track negative changes and, if necessary, initiate the release of the drug. Thus, the risk of repeated surgery is reduced and the period of rehabilitation of the patient is reduced. Scientists are considering the possibility of using smart seams in other parts of the body, in addition to the gastrointestinal tract.^[1]

Notes