The development of intelligent fiber technology has opened new opportunities in the fields of functional textiles, healthcare, composite materials, and smart wearables. The Advanced Functional Materials Research Group at the National Key Laboratory of Fiber Material Modification (DHU) has proposed a design concept for intelligent fibers based on multi-materials, multi-interfaces, and multi-functions, enabling multiple optical, mechanical, magnetic, and electrical functionalities to be realized within a single fiber (device).
Recently, the team collaborated with experts from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Tongji Hospital, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, and Tongji University Affiliated Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital to explore the potential applications of intelligent fibers in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They developed a novel absorbable, self-discharging surgical suture. The findings were published in Nature Communications under the title “Abioabsorbable mechanoelectric fiber as electrical stimulation suture.” PhD student Sun Zhouquan from DHU is the first author, while PhD student Jin Yuefan from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine is a co-first author. Professors Wang Hongzhi and Hou Chengyi from DHU, along with Professors Wang Hui and Li Linpeng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, are co-corresponding authors.
In surgical medicine, suturing is the standard treatment for large incisions, yet traditional sutures are limited in functionality. Electrical stimulation is a non-pharmacological therapy that promotes wound healing. In this context, we designed a passive and biodegradable mechanoelectric suture. The suture consists of multi-layer coaxial structure composed of (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polycaprolactone) and magnesium to allow safe degradation. In addition to the excellent mechanical properties, the mechanoelectrical nature of the suture grants the generation of electric fields in response to movement and stretching. This is shown to speed up wound healing by 50% and reduce the risk of infection. This work presents an evolution of the conventional wound closure procedures, using a safe and degradable device ready to be translated into clinical practice.
This research has entered the clinical trial phase. In the future, the team will continue to jointly develop more advanced integrated intelligent sutures for smart healthcare solutions and further expand the application fields of intelligent fibers.
