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Self-contracting, battery-free triboelectric wound healing strip with strong wet adhesion

Author

Listed:
  • Xiangchun Meng

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Xiao Xiao

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Sera Jeon

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Daniel Sanghyun Cho

    (Sungkyunkwan University)

  • Kejia Zhang

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Yong Hyun Kwon

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Hyeon Mo

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Yoojin Park

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Byung-Joon Park

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Dabin Kim

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Fengyi Pang

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • SeongMin Kim

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

  • Byung-Ok Choi

    (Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
    Samsung Medical Center
    Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST))

  • Keren Dai

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Sang-Woo Kim

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

Abstract

Conventional wound closure techniques, such as suturing and stapling, often cause infection, delayed healing, and tissue damage, particularly in fragile or compromised tissues. A sutureless, battery-free adhesive strip (SBF strip) is developed to integrate shape-memory-assisted mechanical approximation with impedance-matched electrical stimulation for enhanced tissue repair. The device incorporates a shape memory polymer (SMP) responsive at near-body temperature and a robust wet-adhesive interface (> 200 J m−2), enabling rapid attachment and uniform closure under mild heating (40 °C). A built-in ultrasound-driven triboelectric system achieves optimal skin-impedance matching (~50 kΩ), generating electric fields up to 0.59 kV m−1 under 0.5 W cm−2 to promote cellular migration and proliferation. Finite element simulations reveal that SMP-induced contraction redistributes local mechanical strain, reducing scarring. In vivo rat studies demonstrate a 61.7% reduction in scar area compared to sutures, along with improved epithelial regeneration, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. This mechanically and electrically synergistic platform offers a scalable, battery-free wound therapy strategy, reducing dependence on external power and disposable components while enabling precision-guided healing.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiangchun Meng & Xiao Xiao & Sera Jeon & Daniel Sanghyun Cho & Kejia Zhang & Yong Hyun Kwon & Hyeon Mo & Yoojin Park & Byung-Joon Park & Dabin Kim & Fengyi Pang & SeongMin Kim & Byung-Ok Choi & Keren , 2025. "Self-contracting, battery-free triboelectric wound healing strip with strong wet adhesion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62312-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62312-w
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