Introduction
Plant fibers are widely used in pharmaceutical and medical fields for preparing surgical dressings, bandages, absorbent pads and related products. These fibers must be clean, safe, non-irritant and highly absorbent. The most commonly used fibers are cotton, jute and linen. Their natural origin, softness and biocompatibility make them suitable for direct use on human skin.
Requirements of Plant Fibers Used in Surgical Dressings
- Should be free from dirt, seeds, chemicals and microorganisms.
- Must be soft, flexible and non-irritating.
- Should have high absorbency to hold blood and wound exudates.
- Must be sterilizable.
- Should maintain strength when dry and wet.
1. Cotton
Cotton is the most widely used plant fiber in surgical dressings. It is obtained from the seed hairs of Gossypium species.
Types of Cotton
- Raw cotton: contains natural impurities like wax, fats and colouring matter.
- Purified cotton: cotton treated to remove all impurities.
- Absorbent cotton: highly purified cotton used in surgical dressings.
Preparation of Absorbent Cotton
- Cleaning to remove seeds and dust.
- Boiling with alkaline solution to remove oils, waxes and pectins.
- Bleaching to improve whiteness.
- Washing and drying.
- Sterilization.
Characteristics of Good Absorbent Cotton
- Pure white, odourless and tasteless.
- Highly absorbent and free from greasiness.
- Easily flammable (indicates absence of chemicals).
- No fragments of leaf or seeds.
Uses
- Used in surgical dressings, swabs and bandages.
- Used in dental pads and cleaning applications.
- Used as packing material in pharmaceutical containers.
2. Jute
Jute fiber is obtained from the bark of Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius. It is strong, coarse and inexpensive, making it suitable for non-absorbent applications.
Properties
- Coarse and strong fiber.
- Moderate absorbency.
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Golden brown colour.
Uses in Medical and Pharmaceutical Field
- Used in making plaster backing, orthopedic supports and sling materials.
- Used for packing bulk medical supplies.
- Used as a reinforcing fiber in some surgical products.
3. Linen (Flax Fiber)
Linen is obtained from the stem of Linum usitatissimum. It is stronger than cotton and highly durable.
Properties
- Smooth, strong and flexible fiber.
- High wet strength.
- Better resistance to microorganisms.
Uses
- Used in making surgical threads and bandage rolls.
- Used in hospital linens and operation theatre fabrics.
- Used in high-quality dressing materials requiring strength.
Processing Steps for Plant Fibers Used in Surgical Products
- Harvesting: Collecting plant fibers at maturity.
- Retting: Microbial decomposition that separates fibre from stem.
- Scutching: Removal of woody matter.
- Carding: Aligning fibres.
- Chemical purification: Removal of wax, fats and colouring matter.
- Bleaching: To improve whiteness and appearance.
- Sterilization: To remove microorganisms.
Tests for Quality Evaluation of Plant Fibers
- Microscopic examination: Confirms type of fiber and detects adulteration.
- Solubility tests: Differentiates cellulose fibres.
- Absorbency tests: Determines water uptake.
- Colouring matter test: Ensures absence of dyes.
- Foreign matter test: Ensures purity of cotton and linen.
Surgical Products Prepared from Plant Fibers
- Absorbent cotton rolls
- Gauze swabs
- Bandages (roller bandages, triangular bandages)
- Cotton pads
- Dressing towels
- Surgical threads
Advantages of Plant Fibers in Surgical Use
- Natural and biocompatible.
- Soft and non-irritant to skin.
- Highly absorbent (cotton).
- Strong and durable (linen, jute).
- Cost-effective and easily available.
Detailed Notes:
For PDF style full-color notes, open the complete study material below: