Lubricated injectable electroactive short fibers facilitate cartilage repair through piezoelectric conversion

Ultrasound-responsive lubricating electroactive short fibers upregulate Sirt1 gene expression via electrical stimulation, thereby restoring mitochondrial quality control mechanisms to mitigate oxidative stress responses. This enhances energy metabolism efficiency and promotes extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Additionally, these fibers repair the hydration lubrication layer through the release of lubricating molecules, thereby enhancing overall lubrication performance. • Design of lubricated injectable electroactive short fibers. • Ultrasonic remote control enhances treatment efficacy. • Optimization and potential for clinical application. The disruption of endogenous electric field (EF) and subsequent degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and joint wear are the fundamental pathological mechanisms underlying Osteoarthritis (OA). The key to reversing OA and promoting cartilage repair lies in restoring the endogenous electric field, improving lubrication performance between articular cartilage, and achieving a catabolic balance of ECM. In this study, we utilized short fiber fabrication technology and surface dopamine grafting technology to construct a “PLA/Gel@β-Gly/rG/PMPC” lubricated electroactive short fiber. By utilizing an “ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer” to generate electrical signals, we promoted ECM synthesis, restored endogenous EF, repaired hydration lubrication layer, and stabilized the endogenous electric field. This approach enables regeneration and optimization of articular cartilage while breaking free from the detrimental cycle associated with OA. Under ultrasonic stimulation at 1 W, 650 kHz frequency, and 50 % duty cycle, the lubricated electroactive short fiber generated a significant electrical signal of 1.31 V which upregulated Sirt1 expression in OA chondrocytes. It improved mitochondrial function and increased ATP capacity to 23.074 ± 1.87 pmol/min. Furthermore, incorporating different proportions of lubricating molecules (1:1, 1:4, and 1:8) into the material reduced the coefficient of friction (COF) between articular cartilages from approximately 0.725–0.693 to about 0.235. This improvement enhanced lubrication performance between articular cartilages by inhibiting ECM degradation and stabilizing endogenous EF. The innovative composite electrospun material exhibits great potential in promoting OA cartilage repair.