Which suture material is considered most inert in tissue response?

• A. Silk
• B. Nylon
• C. Polypropylene
• D. Surgical gut

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how the body reacts to different suture materials. Inertness means minimal inflammatory response and tissue irritation after implantation. Among the options, polypropylene stands out as the most inert. It is a synthetic, nonabsorbable monofilament, chemically stable and widely used where long-term strength with minimal tissue reaction is desired. Silk is a natural braided fiber that triggers more inflammation and bacterial adherence, making it less inert. Surgical gut is collagen-based and absorbable, which provokes a more pronounced tissue reaction as it degrades. Nylon can be relatively inert but still tends to produce more tissue response than polypropylene. So, polypropylene best minimizes tissue reaction while providing lasting support.