Flexible glycine-based piezoelectric medical dressing for wound repair

X Xin Zhao W Weixiong Li (State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China , Chengdu 610054,) G Guangzhong Xie W Weizhi Li (State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China 1 , Chengdu 611731,) Y Yuanjie Su (State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China , Chengdu 610054,)

Abstract

Piezoelectric dressings provide continuous electrical stimulation and accelerate wound healing. However, the trade-off between electromechanical activity and biocompatibility dramatically restricts the clinical promotion of piezoelectric dressings. Herein, we developed glycine–polyvinyl alcohol (Gly–PVA) composite (GPC) via solution casting to address the biocompatibility limitations of conventional piezoelectric materials in implantable applications. Through mass ratio optimization (0.5:1–3:1), the 2:1 Gly–PVA film achieves a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 5.2 pC/N and generates 6 V output at 25 N impact with pressure sensitivity of 0.232 V/N while maintaining >92.3% voltage retention after 1000 compression cycles. In a rat wound repair model, GPC-based electroactive dressings elevate Day-7 wound closure to 20%, which significantly exceeds control groups (<14%) through enhanced collagen deposition and reduced inflammation. This work opens up a paradigm for optimization of electroactive properties and biocompatibility in implantable electronics.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 127, Issue 11
Published September 15, 2025
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (5)

X

Xin Zhao

W

Weixiong Li

State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China , Chengdu 610054,

G

Guangzhong Xie

W

Weizhi Li

State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China 1 , Chengdu 611731,

Y

Yuanjie Su

State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China , Chengdu 610054,