Long‐Lived Photoacid‐Doped Conducting Composites Induce Photocurrent for Efficient Wound Healing

Abstract

Electrical stimulation is an effective strategy for facilitating wound healing. However, it is hindered by unwieldy electrical systems. In this study, a light‐powered dressing based on long‐lived photoacid generator (PAG)‐doped polyaniline composites is used, which can generate a photocurrent under visible light irradiation to interact with the endogenous electric field and facilitate skin growth. Light‐controlled proton binding and dissociation result in oxidation and reduction of the polyaniline backbone, inducing charge transfer to generate a photocurrent. Due to the rapid intramolecular photoreaction of PAG, a long‐lived proton‐induced localized acidic environment is formed, which protects the wound from microbial infection. In summary, a simple and effective therapeutic strategy is introduced for light‐powered and biocompatible wound dressings that show great potential for wound treatment.

Photoacid Generators for Biomedical Applications

“…Transcortical potential difference is an endogenous electric filed that has been shown to promote wound healing. [110] Yin et al [111] reported a light-powered dressing, which consisted of MC and electroactive polymer polyaniline (PANI). Under xenon lamp irradiation, the H + produced by MC promoted the formation of the reduced state of PANI and the generation of photocurrents, which resulted in the formation of an electric field at the tissue interface.…”