Recent advances in flexible bioelectronics and intelligent wearable devices for wound management
<h2>Summary</h2> Large, non-healing, or chronic wounds are a global medical challenge that affects millions of patients. Currently, the effectiveness of clinical wound management is still limited by passive treatment strategies, which typically rely on physicians' experience and laboratory tests for qualitative assessments, resulting in prolonged hospitalization, increased patient suffering, and even more severe complications. In recent years, with the rapid development of flexible electronics and wearable devices, various types of bioelectronic dressings/bandages have been extensively explored and applied in wound management. This review aims to systematically review the latest advances in flexible electronics and intelligent wearable devices for wound monitoring and treatment. First, the progress of wound exudate management technology is introduced. Second, sensing of wound biomarkers, including material innovation, sensing mechanisms, and performance advantages, is summarized. Third, diverse therapeutic strategies integrated into wearable devices are reviewed, emphasizing the targeted and on-demand intervention capabilities. Fourth, integrated closed-loop systems that combine power supply, artificial intelligence assistance, and communication are discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects are discussed. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights for researchers and clinicians engaged in the development and application of flexible electronics and intelligent wearable devices for wound care.
Authors
- Shuao Guo
- Huijuan Fu
- Enling Hu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1991-3582)
- Bo Lü (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3807-7869)
- Zhechang Chen
- Ziyuan Yang
- Yanhua Wang
- Chen Xiong
- Feng Qin
- Yilin Wang
- Dianying Zhang
- Jiabao Ju
Institutions
- Southwest University (CN)
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
- Peking University (CN)
- Peking University People's Hospital (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cell Reports Physical Science
- Published
- 2026-05-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2026.103320
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission