Accelerating Wound Healing through a Mechano-Electric Synergistic Conductive Hydrogel.

Abstract

To address the challenge of achieving faster wound healing, we present an innovative approach using hydrogel wound dressings that leverage the mechano-electric synergistic effect. This method incorporates piezoelectric zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel matrix. The engineered hydrogel demonstrates exceptional mechanical strength, optimal swelling properties, enhanced antibacterial activity, and excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. Upon application to a wound site, the hydrogel undergoes temperature-induced centripetal contraction, which enhances the wound closure process. Moreover, the morphological changes in the hydrogel caused by self-contraction and alterations in skin shape can trigger a piezoelectric effect, generating stable and lasting bioelectric signals that promote fibroblast migration. Consequently, a wound approximately 1 cm² in size can nearly completely heal within 14 days, thanks to the hydrogel's multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory effects, promotion of cell migration, induction of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, and enhancement of angiogenesis. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement over conventional hydrogel wound dressings, offering considerable promise for clinical application.