Bioinspired poly(lactic acid)/silk fibroin-based dressings with wireless electrical stimulation and instant self-adhesion for promoting wound healing

Abstract

Bioelectricity performs vital functions in biological organisms. Piezoelectric biomaterials are promising candidates for tissue repair and regeneration because they can simulate natural processes in biological systems. In practical applications, however, fabricating piezoelectric biomaterials with excellent piezoelectricity, favorable tissue adhesion, and full biodegradability are challenging. Herein, a bio-piezoelectric dressing is developed to promote wound healing and monitor human activities by mimicking endogenous electric field and mussel’s adhesion. The dressing composed of self-powered electrospun poly(lactic acid) membrane (PLA) and multifunctional silk fibroin adhesive matrix (STG) is named PLA/STG. The proposed PLA dressing with size of 2 cm× 2 cm could provide a maximum current of 400 nA and a voltage of 10 V under 20 N force. The tissue adhesion strength, time for self-healing, antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of the PLA/STG reached 163.49 ± 9.89 kPa, 2 min, 24 ± 0.56 % and 90 %, respectively. As a self-powered dressing, the PLA/STG can promote fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro, as well as facilitate the collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization in vivo. Furthermore, additional key characteristics of hemostatic and sealing performances are reported. Overall, the bioinspired dressing displays the potential applications in implantable and wearable electrical devices for wound healing and real-time monitoring and sensing. • The dressing actively mimics endogenous electrical stimulation of biological tissues. • The dressing establishes a stable and strong adhesion to various wet tissue surfaces. • Self-powered and self-adhesive dressing facilitates wound healing and tissue repair. • The dressing displays hemostatic and sealing performances against acute hemorrhage.