A bioabsorbable body-coupling-electrotherapy suture

Z Zhouquan Sun Y Yuefan Jin H Hui Su (National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for New Petro-chemical Materials and Fine Utilization of Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) Y Yaogang Li Q Qinghong Zhang K Kerui Li H Hongzhi Wang L Linpeng Li S Shan-kai Yin C Chengyi Hou H Hui Wang

Abstract

Abstract Sutures are pivotal medical devices for postoperative incision management. The inherent capacity of sutures to regulate wound healing and promote regeneration has the potential to significantly reduce patient discomfort and conserve medical resources. Here, we developed a bioabsorbable body-coupling electrotherapy suture that modulates healing from inflammation to remodeling, enabling healthy repair. The suture combines high tensile strength, flexibility, and degradability. The conversion of body-coupled electromagnetic energy through the suture enabled electrically synergistic therapeutic capabilities. By converting body-coupled electromagnetic energy, it provides synergistic therapy: dielectric polarization accelerates antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, while dielectric voltage difference enhances healing factor expression. This fully physical approach reduces reliance on silver nanoparticles. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed stable performance, achieving more than 1.43-fold improvement in healing efficiency compared with single-function sutures and reducing postoperative infections. Offering immobilization, stage-wide modulation, sustainability, and low energy demand, this technology represents a significant advancement in surgical practice.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 16, Issue 1
Published December 10, 2025
ISSN 2041-1723
Publisher Nature Portfolio

Journal Info

Nature Communications

Nature Portfolio

ISSN: 2041-1723 Open Access Life Sciences

Authors (11)

Z

Zhouquan Sun

Y

Yuefan Jin

H

Hui Su

National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for New Petro-chemical Materials and Fine Utilization of Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Y

Yaogang Li

Q

Qinghong Zhang

K

Kerui Li

H

Hongzhi Wang

L

Linpeng Li

S

Shan-kai Yin

C

Chengyi Hou

H

Hui Wang