Figure 5. Results for cyclic tests of Prolene® 6-0 and 3×120 spider silk.

A shows the cyclic testing results for Prolene® 6-0. The suture was subjected to over 1000 cycles between 0 N and 2.3 N, which was half of the mean failure load. After these 1000 cycles, Prolene® was stretched up to breaking point. The failure load after cyclic testing was compared with the previous single tensile testing (C). The results of biomechanical tests of 3×120 spider silk are shown in B. The first 100 to 300 cycles of testing did not remain under the limit of half of the failure load of 2.9 N. No difference in failure load before and after cyclic use was noticed.