Synergistic supramolecular conductive dressing integrating electrical stimulation and polyoxometalate antioxidants for enhanced chronic wound healing.

Abstract

Chronic wounds, exacerbated by bacterial infections and oxidative stress, remain a formidable challenge in clinical wound management. Here, we introduce a multifunctional conductive dressing composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), a citric acid-β-cyclodextrin supramolecular system, and cyclodextrin-polyoxometalates (CD-POM). This dressing integrates electrical stimulation (ES), antioxidative capacity, anti-inflammatory effects, and antibacterial efficacy to promote tissue regeneration. Its good mechanical robustness, strong adhesion, and optimized electrical conductivity arise from synergistic interactions among PVA, PEDOT: PSS, and the supramolecular system. Moreover, the addition of CD-POM enables efficient scavenging of reactive oxygen species, thereby mitigating oxidative damage and creating a favorable healing microenvironment. ES further enhances fibroblast proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, while simultaneously disrupting bacterial biofilms and boosting antibacterial performance. In vitro and in vivo evaluations confirm that the conductive dressing significantly accelerates wound closure, reduces inflammation, and promotes collagen deposition. Altogether, this study presents a promising bioelectronic wound dressing strategy that addresses both bacterial infections and oxidative stress, offering an advanced therapeutic platform for chronic wound management. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic wounds are characterized by persistent bacterial infection and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), which impair tissue regeneration. While conductive hydrogels with electrical stimulation (ES) have emerged as promising wound therapies, few address the oxidative stress inherent to inflamed wounds. Here, we present a supramolecular conductive gel (SPPCP) combining ES capability with ROS scavenging via cyclodextrin-polyoxometalates (CD-POM). This dual-functional strategy overcomes a key limitation of current bioelectronic dressings. SPPCP exhibits robust mechanical performance, strong adhesion, and enhanced antibacterial and antioxidative effects. In vivo results confirm accelerated healing, reduced inflammation, and improved angiogenesis. This work introduces a bioelectronic dressing paradigm tailored for oxidative microenvironments, of strong interest to researchers in smart wound care, redox biology, and advanced materials.