St. Petersburg Polytechnic University researchers have unveiled a graphene-based bioelectrode designed to support the treatment of complex wounds through electrical stimulation. The find was shared with socialbites.ca by the Priority 2030 program’s press service. This aligns with a growing line of research that suggests controlled electrical currents can accelerate the repair of tough soft tissue injuries and chronic diabetic wounds. The key to these therapies is a conductive interface that sits directly on affected skin and effectively channels electricity to the damaged area.
A team at SPbPU developed a novel bioelectrode material built from graphene and conductive polyimide. The combination enables the creation of wearable devices capable of delivering precise electrical stimulation to wounds. The material stands apart in its class, with no direct industrial analogues worldwide, and it was developed using domestically produced binders that emphasize regional manufacturing capabilities.
According to SPbPU researchers, existing electrical stimulation devices suffer from a core limitation. The electrode in direct contact with the skin often lacks sufficient biocompatibility, which can dampen the biomedical effect and slow healing of wounds and scar tissue. The new material addresses this shortcoming by offering improved compatibility with living tissues, potentially speeding tissue repair. This advance is reported as a meaningful step toward more effective wound management through electrical therapy, as noted in communications from the Priority 2030 program.
Laboratory tests demonstrated that the graphene-polyimide bioelectrode is safe for skin cells and supports their recovery processes. The material can withstand sterilization at elevated temperatures and is designed for repeated use, creating opportunities for durable, cost-effective wound care solutions. While still in the research phase, these results provide the foundation for future clinical evaluations and commercial development that could benefit patients with complex wounds in Canada and the United States as well as elsewhere, as described by SPbPU researchers and the Priority 2030 program.