A multifunctional piezoelectric ZIF-8/PVDF fiber dressing for managing infected wound healing

Self-powered piezoelectric materials can generate continuous electrical stimulation in response to weak mechanical forces, holding great potential for accelerating wound healing. Herein, a multifunctional ZIF-8/PVDF piezoelectric fiber dressing was fabricated using the electrospinning method for generating electrical stimulation to enhance the endogenous electric field at the wound site. The incorporation of ZIF-8 nanoparticles and the stretching polarization effect of electrospinning on the fibers promote the formation of the piezoelectric β-phase in PVDF, leading to enhanced piezoelectricity. The improved piezoelectric and conductive properties collectively enhance the output electrical signals of the fiber. The short-circuit voltage and open-circuit current of the 5% ZIF-8/PVDF fiber were 2.97 V and 13.7 nA, respectively, showing significant improvement compared to the pure PVDF fiber. <i>In vitro</i> experiments demonstrate that the fiber can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release Zn²⁺ under ultrasonic conditions, which together with electrical stimulation endows the dressing with effective antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects. <i>In vivo</i> studies of infected skin defect models demonstrated that the ZIF-8/PVDF fiber dressing can significantly inhibit bacterial infection, regulate inflammatory responses, enhance angiogenesis, and ultimately accelerate the infected wound healing process. This developed multifunctional piezoelectric fiber dressing provides an effective strategy for infected wound repair.