A multifunctional decellularized gut suture platform

Wound closure is critical for the care of wounds by preventing foreign matter entry and supporting healing. Failure of wound closure because of mechanical compromise or inflammation can lead to failure of effective apposition of tissues and manifest in delayed healing and even death, depending on the site of the wound. Therefore, a platform capable of identifying inflammation as well as delivery of therapeutics, including chemical, biological, and cellular therapies, could transform our capacity to effectively sense potential failure as well as maximize healing. Here, we report the development of a decellularized gut suture platform capable of sensing inflammation as well as delivering a broad array of therapeutics, including small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and cell-based therapeutics. We demonstrate the mechanical and biological functionalities of our platform in rodents and pigs. We anticipate that this platform could transform how we care for wounds and anastomoses of patients.