Researchers at Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) have developed a graphene-based, biocompatible material with no industrial analogues that speeds up the healing of chronic wounds when paired with electrical stimulation. This progress was shared with socialbites.ca via the Priority 2030 program’s press service.
The innovation combines graphene with a polyimide polymer to create a conductive composite film. These films are suitable for wearable devices designed to treat chronic wounds and intricate soft tissue injuries. By directly engaging the affected skin area, the material enables a more targeted therapeutic effect. Earlier studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation can enhance tissue repair, and this material builds on that knowledge with improved compatibility and performance.
The team notes that existing devices relying on electrical stimulation often struggle with biocompatibility at the skin interface, which can dampen biomedical outcomes and slow healing of wounds and scars. The new material addresses this challenge by providing a more compatible interface that supports faster tissue recovery without compromising safety.
Tests indicate that the material is biocompatible and non-toxic to fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for repair. Experiments on tissue samples showed that applying electrical stimulation through the composite films accelerates the healing process of human skin fibroblasts, suggesting potential benefits for real-world wound care. Results of these studies appeared in Functional Biomaterials, and the development has already attracted interest from AO Shvabe Rostec for further exploration and deployment.
Beyond the laboratory, the technology holds promise for practical use in North American markets, where advanced wound care devices are a growing focus for healthcare providers and researchers. This aligns with broader efforts to integrate safe, effective bioelectronic therapies into standard wound care protocols, offering clinicians a new option to support faster healing and better patient outcomes. The underlying science points to a future in which electrically guided tissue repair becomes more accessible through materials that are both conductive and gentle to living tissue, enabling safer, more comfortable treatments in everyday settings. (Source: Priority 2030 program)