Plant and animal fibres are widely used in pharmacy and surgery because of their absorbency, softness, purity and biocompatibility. In Pharmacognosy, cotton, silk, wool and regenerated fibres play an important role in surgical dressings, while surgical catgut and ligatures are widely used as suturing materials. Below is a clear and simplified explanation of their sources, properties and applications.
1. Cotton
Biological Source: Hairs from the seed coat of Gossypium species (Family: Malvaceae).
Chemical Constituents: Almost pure cellulose (around 95%), wax, fat and pectins.
Characteristics: Soft, highly absorbent, non-irritant.
Uses in Surgical Dressings:
- Used in absorbent cotton pads, bandages and swabs
- Ideal for cleaning wounds and applying antiseptics
- Used in padding for fractures and orthopedic purposes
2. Silk
Biological Source: Fibres obtained from the cocoon of Bombyx mori (silkworm).
Chemical Constituents: Fibroin (protein), sericin (gum protein).
Characteristics: Strong, smooth, flexible and easily sterilized.
Uses in Surgery:
- Used in non-absorbable sutures
- Common in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and dental procedures
- Provides excellent knot security
3. Wool
Biological Source: Hair fibres from the fleece of sheep (Ovis aries).
Chemical Constituents: Keratin protein, sulfur-containing amino acids.
Characteristics: Elastic, insulating and capable of absorbing moisture.
Uses in Dressings:
- Used in medicated wool and sterile wool pads
- Acts as cushioning material in dressings
- Prevents friction injuries on skin
4. Regenerated Fibres
Examples: Rayon, viscose and cellulose acetate.
Source: Prepared by chemically processing natural cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters.
Characteristics: Smooth texture, high absorbency, uniform quality.
Uses:
- Used in modern surgical dressings and absorbent pads
- Excellent for sterile bandages and sanitary products
- More cost-effective and cleaner than natural fibres
5. Sutures – Surgical Catgut
Biological Source: Obtained from the intestines (submucosal layer) of sheep or goats.
Natures: It is an absorbable suture.
Chemical Constituent: Collagen protein.
Types of Catgut:
- Plain catgut – Untreated, fast absorption
- Chromic catgut – Treated with chromic salts for slower absorption
Therapeutic / Surgical Uses:
- Suturing of internal tissues
- Used in obstetrics, gynecology and gastrointestinal surgeries
- Preferred when stitches need to dissolve naturally
6. Ligatures
Ligatures are threads or materials used to tie blood vessels or tissues to control bleeding during surgery.
Materials Used for Ligatures:
- Silk
- Catgut
- Cotton thread
- Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester
Functions:
- Stops bleeding by tying off blood vessels
- Helps hold tissues in place during surgical procedures
