A bioabsorbable mechanoelectric fiber as electrical stimulation suture
In surgical medicine, suturing is the standard treatment for large incisions, yet traditional sutures are limited in functionality. Electrical stimulation is a non-pharmacological therapy that promotes wound healing. In this context, we designed a passive and biodegradable mechanoelectric suture. The suture consists of multi-layer coaxial structure composed of (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polycaprolactone) and magnesium to allow safe degradation. In addition to the excellent mechanical properties, the mechanoelectrical nature of the suture grants the generation of electric fields in response to movement and stretching. This is shown to speed up wound healing by 50% and reduce the risk of infection. This work presents an evolution of the conventional wound closure procedures, using a safe and degradable device ready to be translated into clinical practice.
Authors
- Yu Luo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2319-1172)
- Jiabei Luo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5259-7529)
- Zhouquan Sun
- Shankai Yin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3689-8599)
- Haibo Shi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2920-0183)
- Yaogang Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3456-3840)
- Yan Qi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4579-1569)
- Chengyi Hou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4142-2982)
- Linpeng Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0540-2319)
- Hongzhi Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5469-2327)
- Qinghong Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4373-7665)
- Kerui Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0933-8932)
- Yue Ding
- Yuefan Jin
- Hui Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8478-9990)
Institutions
- Tongji University (CN)
- Shanghai University of Engineering Science (CN)
- Donghua University (CN)
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN)
- Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital (CN)
- Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center (CN)
- Tongji Hospital (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Published
- 2024-10-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52354-x
- Citations
- 50
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 9.22
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities