Accelerated Wound Healing by Electrospun Multifunctional Fibers with Self-Powered Performance

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chronic wound healing presents significant clinical challenges.
• Electrical stimulation is a promising therapeutic modality for accelerating wound repair.
• Developing advanced wound dressings with multiple functionalities is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct self-powered electrospun nanofiber membranes (named 'triples') as multifunctional wound dressings.
• To integrate electrical stimulation and biochemical capabilities into a single wound dressing system.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these novel dressings in promoting wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a three-layered nanofiber membrane: inner chitosan layer (antiseptic, hemostatic), core AgNWs layer (conductive), and outer PVDF layer (self-powered, hydrophobic).
• Assessment of physical properties including wettability and moisture permeability.
• Evaluation of electrical performance, antibacterial activity against common pathogens, in vitro cell behavior, and hemostatic capacity.

Main Results:

• The fabricated 'triples' exhibited suitable wettability and moisture permeability.
• The membranes effectively transmitted electrical signals generated via the piezoelectric effect.
• Demonstrated high antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (inhibition rates >96%).
• Showed satisfactory cell proliferation and mobility in vitro and enhanced whole blood clotting time.

Conclusions:

• The self-powered multifunctional nanofiber membranes offer a novel approach for wound management.
• These dressings possess electrical stimulation, antiseptic, hemostatic, and antibacterial properties.
• The developed 'triples' show significant potential for accelerating chronic wound healing and managing complications.