Rudra Narayan Saha is a Ph.D. Research Scholar in the Department of Textile Technology at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, India. His research focuses on mathematical modelling, design, characterization, and the physio-mechanical behavior of braided structures and surgical sutures, with particular interests in medical textiles and surface modification technologies. He holds a B.Tech. in Textile Technology and an M.Tech. in Textile Engineering, and has published research in areas including surgical sutures, braided structures, medical textiles, and functionalized biomedical materials. He is also a co-author of several book chapters and has contributed to research projects involving surgical materials and technical textiles. His professional achievements include the Best Research Scholar Award, a second-best paper presentation award, and multiple research presentation recognitions. He also serves as a peer reviewer for international research journals.

Surface Functionalization of Silk Braids for Surgical Sutures: Improving Biocompatibility and Infection Resistance for Wound Healing:                                                                                 

This study aimed to develop hydrophobic silk-based sutures with antibacterial functionality. Silk braids were coated with silica sol nanoparticles, chitosan, and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS). Hydrophobicity was assessed through water contact angle measurement and vertical wicking analysis, while antibacterial activity against E.coli and S. aureus was evaluated. Characterization of the coatings was performed using FTIR, SEM, XRD, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and EDX-mapping. Thermal stability, surface roughness and elemental composition have been checked by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.  Biocompatibility testing using L929 fibroblast cells in the MTT assay revealed increased cell viability, improving from 85% in uncoated to 95% in coated sutures. The PTT assay and hemolysis index also showed great coexistence. These results confirm that the modified silk braids exhibit favourable physical, antibacterial, and biocompatible properties, suggesting their viability and validity as advanced wound closure materials like sutures for potential clinical application.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Keywords: Silk Biomaterial, surgical suture, HDTMS, Anti-Bacterial, MTT assay, PTT assay