Virgin Silk, in the context of surgical applications, is defined as a non-absorbable, twisted surgical suture. It is of natural origin and is primarily composed of an organic protein known as fibroin.
Key Characteristics and Origin
Understanding Virgin Silk involves looking at its material properties and where it comes from.
- Material Composition: The fundamental building block of Virgin Silk is an organic protein called fibroin. This protein gives the suture its strength and structure.
- Physical Form: It is characteristically a twisted thread, prepared specifically for use as a surgical suture.
- Absorbability: A key feature is that it is non-absorbable. This means the body does not naturally break it down over time, and it may need to be removed depending on the surgical application.
- Source: As a material of natural origin, the fibroin protein used in Virgin Silk is derived from the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori. This silkworm species belongs to the family Bombycidae and is the traditional source of silk used for various purposes, including medical-grade materials.
In summary, Virgin Silk is a specific type of surgical thread made from natural silk protein sourced from silkworms, distinguished by its non-absorbable and twisted nature for medical use.
