A photothermal-enhanced thermoelectric nanosheet incorporated with zwitterionic hydrogels for wound repair and...

The new generation of smart wound dressings aims to encompass sensory restoration capabilities through multi-stimulation rather than merely focusing on skin rebuilding and repair. Wound dressings integrated with real-time measurement of wound motion can improve healing efficiency considerably by providing crucial guidance during the skin regeneration process. Herein, we report a conductive zwitterionic hydrogel dressing with photothermal and thermoelectric properties prepared using a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-modified polydopamine-functionalized bismuth telluride (PEDOT@PBT) sandwich-like nanosheet-incorporated poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate)/silk fibroin (PEDOT@PBT-PSBMA/SF) semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel, which can accelerate chronic wound healing and monitor motion. With the incorporation of PEDOT@PBT nanosheets, the hydrogel exhibits remarkable photothermal and thermoelectric effects, endowing it with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli, 99.02 %), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, 99.14 %), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 97.70 %). Additionally, the PEDOT@PBT-PSBMA/SF hydrogel can be employed in bioelectronics because of its good conductivity (0.13 S/m). In-vivo experiments show that the PEDOT@PBT-PSBMA/SF hydrogel actively promotes the regeneration of MRSA-infected wounds through immunomodulation, collagen deposition, and vascularization. Consequently, this study presents a promising strategy for the development of next-generation multifunctional hydrogel dressings with considerable potential for application in chronic skin wound therapy and bioelectronics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Thermoelectric materials are increasingly being incorporated into hydrogels to enhance tissue regeneration. However, improving the thermoelectric efficiency while effectively harnessing the generated electricity for tissue regeneration remains a significant challenge. This study presents a multifunctional hydrogel dressing that integrates advanced photothermal and thermoelectric properties with real-time motion sensing, offering a breakthrough in chronic wound therapy. The PEDOT@PBT-PSBMA/SF hydrogel demonstrates exceptional antibacterial efficacy against E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA, along with remarkable conductivity suitable for bioelectronic applications. In vivo results highlight its ability to accelerate wound healing through immunomodulation, enhanced collagen deposition, and improved vascularization. In conclusion, this multifunctional hydrogel holds great promise for future development as an integrated platform for diabetic skin wound repair and real-time monitoring.