Strain-Programmable Patch for Diabetic Wound Healing

ABSTRACT Chronic wounds with impaired healing capability such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are devastating complications in diabetic patients, inflicting rapidly growing clinical and economic burdens in aging societies. Despite recent advances in therapeutic approaches, limited benefits of the existing solutions highlight the critical need for novel therapeutic solutions for diabetic wound healing. Here we propose a strain-programmable patch capable of rapid robust adhesion on and programmable mechanical contraction of wet wounded tissues over days to offer a new therapeutic platform for diabetic wounds. The strain-programmable patch, consisting of a dried bioadhesive layer and a pre-stretched elastomer backing, implements a hydration-based shape-memory mechanism to achieve both uniaxial and biaxial contractions and stress remodeling of wet wounds in a programmable manner. We develop theoretical and numerical models to rationally guide the strain-programming and mechanical modulation of wounds. In vivo rodent and ex vivo human skin culture models validate the programmability and efficacy of the proposed platform and identify mechanisms of action for accelerated diabetic wound healing. One Sentence Summary A strain-programmable bioadhesive patch is developed for accelerated closure and healing of wounds in diabetic mice and human skin.