Revolutionising Periodontal Healing: An In-vitro Study on Antibacterial and Antioxidant Synergy in Graphene Oxide and Resveratrol Nano-enhanced Suture Coatings

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease commonly treated by Periodontal Flap Surgery (PFS), where sutures are essential for wound closure. However, suture-related bacterial colonisation and oxidative stress may impair healing and increase postoperative complications. Nano-enhanced suture coatings with antibacterial and antioxidant properties may improve periodontal wound healing outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant efficacy of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) and Resveratrol (RV) nano-enhanced silk suture coatings for periodontal surgical applications. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro experimental study was conducted at Department of Periodontology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2025 to April 2025. Silk sutures were divided into four groups: uncoated (control), 0.05% rGO-coated, 0.1% rGOcoated and 0.1% RV-loaded rGO-coated (RV-rGO). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm chemical integration and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to assess surface morphology. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli was evaluated using the zone of inhibition assay and antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. All data are presented as mean±Standard Deviation (SD). Results: Data were collected as zone of inhibition values (mm) and absorbance readings and presented as mean±standard deviation. FTIR spectra demonstrated characteristic Amide I and II bands of silk fibroin and additional peaks confirming the successful integration of rGO and RV. SEM analysis revealed a roughened suture surface with uniformly distributed nanoparticles in the RV-rGO group. The RV-rGO-coated sutures showed the highest antibacterial activity (SM: 25±1 mm; EC: 23±1 mm) and superior antioxidant activity (72% DPPH scavenging). Conclusion: The RV-rGO nano-enhanced silk sutures exhibit synergistic antibacterial and antioxidant effects, supporting their potential to enhance periodontal wound healing and reduce suture-related complications.