Dual-function polyionic liquid piezoelectric hydrogel: Combining antibacterial activity and electrical stimulation for infected wound treatment.

Wound dressings act as essential barriers that protect wounds from complications arising from bacterial contamination and disruption. An ideal wound dressing should possess multiple synergistic therapeutic properties, including potent antibacterial activity, the ability to promote cellular migration and proliferation, as well as biocompatiblity and cost-effectiveness. Here, a highly effective wound dressing, made of a polyionic liquid-based composite gel (ZA-gel) by incorporating the polyethylene glycol coated zinc oxide and Au nanoparticles (ZA-PEG) was reported. Within this composite hydrogel, ZA-PEG not only enhances the antibacterial efficacy of ionic liquid hydrogels through the generation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also accelerates wound healing by providing electrical stimulation-an effect attributed to the piezoelectric properties of zinc oxide under ultrasonic irradiation. Moreover, the as-designed composite hydrogel features a larger pore structure, which increases its swelling capacity for improved exudate adsorption and expedites the delivery of released zinc ions to the wound sites, thereby facilitating connective tissue formation and epithelial regeneration. Tests of full-layer skin defects in mice further verifies the exceptional wound healing ability of the ZA-gel wound dressing. This work broadens the potential application of ionic liquids in wound treatment, demonstrating promising potential for combating bacterial infections and promoting tissue repair.