A self-powered ZnMo hydrogel battery patch for synergistic electrochemical wound healing

Current smart wound dressings that integrate wound monitoring and electrical stimulation primarily rely on flexible electronic systems composed of multiple sensors and external power sources. However, their clinical translation is significantly hampered by unstable energy output and high interfacial impedance between the bioelectronic device and biological tissues, which together disrupt stable, long-term interactions with cells and impair therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we present a novel electroceutical strategy based on a minimalist, self-powered wound patch that unifies stimulation generation and delivery within a single integrated platform. The system employs a ZnMo hydrogel-based battery (E-PGA) to autonomously provide sustained low-voltage direct current while simultaneously releasing bioactive zinc ions, thereby synergistically modulating the wound microenvironment. This dual-mode action potently enhances fibroblast functions-including proliferation, migration, and growth factor secretion-and drives macrophage polarization toward a pro-regenerative phenotype through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β). In vivo studies demonstrate accelerated and robust wound closure with improved tissue regeneration. By eliminating the need for external power and minimizing interfacial complexity, this approach offers a scalable, biocompatible, and clinically translatable paradigm for next-generation electroactive wound care. Moreover, it provides a versatile platform to investigate the fundamental mechanisms by which electrical cues regulate cellular behavior during tissue repair.