These sutures are extruded into non capillary single or monofilament strands that are characterized by high tensile strength and extremely low tissue reactivity. However, they degrade at a rate of approximately 15% to 20% per year by hydrolysis. Nylon sutures in sizes 10-0 and 6-0 and larger are produced from a special grade of nylon 6. In addition, the medical grade polyamide nylon 6-6 is used for sizes 7-0 and finer. While both grades allow for good handling, monofilament nylon sutures have a tendency to return to their original straight extruded state (a property known as “memory”).

Therefore, more loops in the knot are required to securely hold monofilament sutures than by braided nylon sutures. Moreover, monofilament nylon in a wet or damp condition is more pliable and easier to handle than dry nylon. Furthermore, a limited line of nylon sutures (sizes 3-0 through 6-0) are pre-moistened or “pliabilized” for use in cosmetic plastic surgery. This process enhances the handling and knot tying characteristics to resemble that of braided sutures.
Nylon sutures are frequently used in ophthalmology and micro-surgery procedures in very fine sizes. For this reason, sizes 9-0 and 10-0 have an intensified black dye for high visibility.