Wearable bioelectronic system with conductive hydrogel for wound management through sensing and electrical stimulation

Due to the enormous economic, social and healthcare burden caused by skin injuries, wound treatment has become a global concern. Driven by the need for advanced wound management, here we present a wearable bioelectronic system for wound monitoring and treatment, using conductive hydrogel as tissue interface. The hydrogel exhibits tissue-like mechanical properties (Young’s modulus (66.69 ± 5.33 kPa), moderate conformal adhesion strength (22.3 ± 2.5 kPa) and efficient electrical properties, including high conductivity (4 S m−1), high charge injection capacity (1.37 mC cm−2) and low interfacial impedance (<70 Ω). In vivo studies demonstrate this bioelectronic system can detect the temperature and wound healing status, and deliver electrical stimulation to accelerate wound closure (~48.56% faster on day 14) by increasing collagen deposition (~128.73%) and epidermal thickness (~67.19%). In addition, it can also improve healing quality by promoting neovascularization, anti-inflammatory effects, polarization of macrophages from M1 to M2, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and nerve regeneration. Transcriptomic analysis further reveals upregulation of pro-regenerative genes associated with re-epithelialization, ECM remodeling, skin appendages morphogenesis and nervous system development, as well as downregulation of genes associated with inflammatory factors. In summary, this system provides an active platform for improved wound care with the hydrogel bridging the gap between electronics and biological tissue. Skin injuries impose a substantial economic, social, and healthcare burden, making wound treatment a global priority. Here, the authors present a wearable bioelectronic system with a conductive hydrogel interface that monitors wounds and promotes healing.