Development of hydrogel-based flexible bio-electronic patch: Exogenous electric field and electro-stimulated drug release for accelerated wound healing

BOZTEPE C., de Barros N. R., Herculano R. D., Gangrade A., Falcone N., Ermis M., ...More

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, vol.115, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 115
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jddst.2025.107786
  • Journal Name: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Keywords: Conductive polymers, Controlled drug release, E-Patch, Electric stimulation, Flexible bio-electronics
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Flexible and biocompatible electrical patch (e-Patch) systems have the potential for use in exogenous electric field (EF) and controlled drug release applications to promote accelerated wound healing. In this context, conductive hydrogels have excellent potential to create new opportunities for electrical stimulation in wound therapy applications. Here, a mechanically flexible and biocompatible hydrogel-based e-Patch system was engineered for the combined function of exogenous EF and controlled drug release to accelerate wound healing. The e-Patch system is constructed from conductive and support layers. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based conductive hydrogel layer consists of 1.25 % by weight Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and 0.5 % by weight Laponite (LAP), while the natural rubber latex (NRL) based layer consists of 15 % PVA. The conductive hydrogel was printed on the support layer using the patterned freeze-thaw crosslinking method in the presence of tannic acid (TA). The biocompatible e-Patch system exhibited sufficient electrical conductivity with high mechanical and conductive stability, providing the desired electro-responsive ability for human dermal fibroblast proliferation and migration. Additionally, increasing voltage values increased the release of Diclofenac sodium (DF) with non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory properties from the hydrogel-based e-Patch system. The compositionally optimized e-Patch system, designed in accordance with electrical conductivity and mechanical requirements, demonstrated multifunctional performance by integrating robust mechanical strength (tensile strength of 884 kPa, Young's modulus of 3.42 MPa, and toughness of 4.35 MJ/m3), high electrical conductivity (17.90 S/m), remarkable durability (>150 cycles at 25 % strain), excellent biocompatibility, and superior functionalities including EF-responsive cell migration and drug release.