Naturally Inspired Tree-Ring Structured Dressing Provides Sustained Wound Tightening and Accelerates Closure

Abstract

Mechanically regulated wound dressings require a rational combination of contraction and adhesion functions as well as balancing exudate-induced swelling issues. However, many of the reported dressings face the dilemma of impaired function and impeded wound self-contraction due to fluid-absorbing swelling. In this study, inspired by the tree ring, a core–ring structured hydrogel dressing capable of mechanical modulation is designed, and prepare it using a simple two-step photopolymerization process. The core covers the center of the wound, contracts spontaneously at body temperature to generate a contractile force of 3.4 kPa, and resists swelling. Meanwhile, the ring adheres to the normal epidermis around the wound and transfers the contraction stress to the wound edge. The integration of a functionally independent core and ring ultimately achieves effective wound traction and avoids dressing swelling. In murine and porcine skin wound-healing models, this hydrogel with a closely connected core and ring promotes healing by accelerating epidermal closure (50% closure in mouse skin on day 2, 85% closure in pig skin on day 8), collagen deposition, vascular maturation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These results can guide further research on mechanical force modulation in wound healing, with the potential for clinical translation.