A Shape-Programmable Hierarchical Fibrous Membrane Composite System to Promote Wound Healing in Diabetic Patients

Chronic wound infection is one of the critical complications of diabetes and is difficult to cure. Although great efforts have been made, the development of special dressings that serve as therapeutic strategies to effectively promote wound healing in diabetic individuals remains a major challenge. In this study, a shape-programmable hierarchical fibrous membrane composite system is developed for synergistic modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment to treat chronically infected wounds. The system comprises a functional layer and a shape-programmable backing layer. A temperature-responsive shape-memory mechanism achieves biaxial mechanically active contractions of diabetic wounds in a programmable manner. To summarize, the membrane system combines antimicrobial activity, controlled drug release according to the need of wound healing, mechanical modulation with shape-programmable, robust adhesion, and on-demand debonding to biological tissue to rationally guide chronic wound management. A synergistic combination of antibacterial fiber network and released drugs shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vitro and in vivo evaluations indicate the dressing efficiency in promoting and supporting wound healing. The insights from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of a hierarchical composite membrane system with shape-programmability as a potential treatment in the care of diabetic wounds.