Directional Liquid Transport Enabled pH-Responsive Hierarchical Composite for Enhanced Wound Healing.

Abstract

Persistent inflammation and infection within a macerated microenvironment critically hinder skin wound healing. Here, we report an engineered to regulate liquid transport and promote wound repair. The composite consists of a hydrophobic top layer, a hydrophilic gel-forming middle layer, and two drug-loaded fibrous layers with tunable hydrophobicity. This gradient architecture from hydrophobic to hydrophilic layers integrates directional liquid transport, efficient water absorption, breathability, and mechanical robustness. The diode-like liquid transport behavior enables pH-responsive, dual-drug release, providing synergistic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Consequently, this design minimizes maceration while maintaining a moist, bioactive environment favorable for tissue regeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the composite's pronounced antioxidant and hemostatic activities, along with its ability to markedly reduce infection and inflammation, thereby accelerating wound closure and promoting new tissue formation. This work presents a multifunctional therapeutic platform and highlights the significant clinical potential of this hierarchical composite for advanced wound management.