Silver nanoparticles as topical missile for wound healing

Introduction: Recently the Nano-silver particles coated on conventional silk stitch as the new emerging technique in the nanotechnology industry have been the fastest growing products. Its antimicrobial feature, led to increasing number of its medical applications. Some of such products already available in the market include wound dressings, contraceptive devices, surgical instruments and bone prostheses
Aim: To evaluate physical, antimicrobial and healing effect of nano-silver suture on periodontal flap.
Objectives: To compare tensile strength, coating of silver, clinical and microbiological parameters of nano-silver and silk suture.
Methodology: In this split mouth randomized controlled study, 10 patients were selected indicated for periodontal flap surgery. One quadrant was given a silk suture (control group) and the other quadrant was given nano-silver suture (test group). Sutures were removed at 7th day post operatively, added to the normal saline for microbial colony count for both the groups. This suspension was then used for streaking the blood agar plates..Wound healing index was assessed at baseline and 1 month. Assessment of Ag NPs impregnated suture threads was performed through inverted electron microscopy and spectrophotometry.
Results: Nano-silver suture showed enhanced physical, clinical and microbiological parameters as compared to silk suture. Conclusion: Silver particles due to their beneficial effects as antibacterial and wound healing accelerator in the periodontal surgeries could reduce inflammation and promote healing process.