Piezoelectric nanocomposite electrospun dressings: Tailoring mechanics for scar-free wound recovery

Rational wound management and enhancing healing quality are critical in clinical practice. Electrical stimulation therapy (EST) has emerged as a valuable adjunctive treatment due to its safety and cost-effectiveness. Integrating piezoelectric materials into dressings offers a way to miniaturize and personalize electrotherapy, enhancing convenience. To address the impact of physical factors of dressings on wound healing, a nanocomposite piezoelectric electrospun dressing using poly(_L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and barium titanate (BaTiO₃) was developed. We intentionally exaggerated design flaws to mimic the characteristics of scar extracellular matrix (ECM), including the oriented thick fibers and high Young's modulus. Initially, these dressings promoted fibrosis and hindered functional regeneration. However, when the piezoelectric effect was triggered by ultrasound, the fibrotic phenotype was reversed, leading to scar-free healing with well-regenerated functional structures. This study highlights the significant therapeutic potential of piezoelectric dressings in skin wound treatment and underscores the importance of carefully designing the static physical properties of dressings for optimal efficacy.