Dual-Modal Mechano-Electrical Hydrogel for Accelerated Wound Healing and Reduced Scarring via Stress Redistribution and Electrical Stimulation.
TL;DR
A dual-modal mechano-electrical hydrogel that integrates multifunctional properties, including active wound contraction, intrinsic antibacterial protection, and efficient electrical modulation is reported, underscoring its clinically translational potential as a bifunctional integrated platform for tissue regenerative therapy and wearable bioelectronics.
Abstract
Large-scale acute or chronic wounds often exhibit impaired closure due to delayed re-epithelialization, weakened skin contraction, and persistent inflammation. To address this challenge, we report a dual-modal mechano-electrical hydrogel that integrates multifunctional properties, including active wound contraction, intrinsic antibacterial protection, and efficient electrical modulation. Specifically, the hydrogel is composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), and quaternary ammonium-functionalized hyaluronic acid (MPTC-HA) microgels, where the PNIPAm chains enable temperature-triggered active contraction to remold the wound mechanical microenvironment; PEDOT:PSS forms a mixed ionic-electronic conductive network that promotes fibroblast/keratinocyte migration and re-epithelialization; MPTC-HA microgels offer tissue adhesion and antibacterial protection. Attributed to the synergy of the three components, wound closure is significantly accelerated with reduced scar formation, with the wound monitored via in situ impedance sensing. Additionally, the hydrogel can also function as a flexible epidermal bioelectrode for electrophysiological signal acquisition owing to its low interfacial impedance. These findings underscore its clinically translational potential as a bifunctional integrated platform for tissue regenerative therapy and wearable bioelectronics.