Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Patch for Accelerated Wound Healing Through the Synergy of Electrostimulation and Photothermal Effect

Abstract

Physiological wound healing process can restore the functional and structural integrity of skin, but is often delayed due to external disturbance. The development of methods for promoting the repair process of skin wounds represents a highly desired and challenging goal. Here, a flexible, self-powered, and multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) wound patch (e-patch) is presented for accelerating wound healing through the synergy of electrostimulation and photothermal effect. To fabricate the triboelectric e-patch, a flexible and conductive hydrogel with a dual network of polyacrylamide (PAM) and polydopamine (PDA) is synthesized and doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs). The hydrogel exhibits high conductivity, good stretchability, and high biocompatibility. The triboelectric e-patch assembled from the hydrogel can detect mechanical and electrical signals of human motions in a real-time manner. In a rodent model of full-thickness dorsal skin wound, the e-patch integrating self-driven electrostimulation and photothermal effect under the near-infrared light irradiation efficiently promotes wound repair and hair follicle regeneration through relieving inflammation, fastening collagen deposition, vascular regeneration, and epithelialization. It offers a promising way to accelerate wound healing.