Zinc Oxide Nanorod-Based Piezoelectric Dermal Patch for Wound Healing

Abstract

Current treatments for wound healing engage in passive healing processes and rarely participate in stimulating skin cell behaviors for active wound healing. Electric potential difference-derived electrical fields (EFs) are known to modulate skin cell behaviors. Here, a piezoelectric dermal patch is developed that can be applied on skin wound site and EF is generated to promote wound healing. The one-directionally aligned zinc oxide nanorod-based piezoelectric patch generates piezoelectric potential upon mechanical deformations induced by animal motion, and induces EF at the wound bed. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that the piezoelectric patch promotes the wound healing process through enhanced cellular metabolism, migration, and protein synthesis. This modality may lead to a clinically relevant piezoelectric dermal patch therapy for active wound healing.