Fabrication and performance study of polyurethane-based Janus dressing with conductivity-enhanced repair, biosafety,...

Polyurethane (PU) fibrous dressings face a challenge in functional modification as it is difficult to simultaneously endow them with conductivity for healing promotion, biosafety, and the ability to maintain a moist wound environment. To address this problem, we developed a strategy for constructing a Janus dressing based on a conductive PU fibrous composite. First, a conductive PU/polyaniline (PANI) network was constructed on a PU nanofibrous membrane via in situ polymerization of aniline. This network was then loaded with MXene-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to form a hydrophilic inner layer (PU/PANI/MXene-AgNPs). The maximum electrical conductivity of the dressing was approximately 6.5 times higher than that of PU/PANI. Subsequently, a hydrophobic PU outer layer was deposited on this hydrophilic surface via electrospinning, fabricating a Janus dressing that mimics the layered structure of skin. The Janus dressing demonstrated good biocompatibility. In vivo experiments using a rat full-thickness skin defect model confirmed its efficacy. The dressing effectively modulated inflammation, promoted collagen deposition, stimulated angiogenesis, and cell proliferation at the wound site, thereby accelerating the overall healing process. This study provides a viable approach to achieve a balance among conductive healing promotion, biosafety, and moisture management in PU-based fibrous dressings.