Salt-triggered electroactive dressing with controlled drug release for enhanced healing of exudative wounds

Excessive wound exudate is a key factor that exacerbates wound condition, and conventional treatments typically involve its physical removal. However, the components of exudate, such as enzymes, and salts, present valuable resources that can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. To harness the potential of wound exudate, this study developed a novel exudate-responsive electrotherapy system by integrating salt-responsive polymer coatings with a yarn-based battery. Specifically, zwitterionic polymers (PVBIPS) were grafted onto the cotton yarn, which was then embedded with the antibacterial drug carvacrol. The modified yarn was further woven with anode and cathode materials to create a self-powered electric fabric dressing. The salt ions in the wound exudate triggered the dissociation of PVBIPS, enhancing the dressing's moisture retention and enabling the release of carvacrol. Furthermore, Mg(OH)₂ generated during the discharge of the yarn-based battery synergistically enhanced the antibacterial effects of carvacrol. The electric field generated by the dressing promoted macrophage polarization, guided fibroblast migration and proliferation, and accelerating tissue regeneration. In both rat and porcine wound models, this electric fabric dressing significantly enhanced healing outcomes. This electric fabric dressing not only effectively utilizes wound exudate to support therapeutic functions, but also offers an alternative approach to developing multifunctional wound care systems.