Self-powered thermoelectric gel dressings for chronic wound monitoring and therapy

Abstract

Chronic wounds constitute a major global clinical challenge, whereas traditional dressings lack real-time monitoring and active therapeutic capabilities. Self-powered thermoelectric gel dressings that integrate thermoelectric conversion and flexible gel networks have emerged as a transformative platform for wound care, enabling the seamless integration of sensing and therapy. This review systematically summarizes the fundamental energy conversion mechanisms and multi-scale material design strategies of thermoelectric gels, along with the essential fabrication processes, electrode engineering, and integration technologies for practical applications. It further highlights two core functions of these dressings: self-powered multimodal monitoring of wound temperature, pressure, and biomarkers, and in situ pro-healing effects through electrical stimulation that modulates inflammation, cellular behavior, and angiogenesis. Recent advances in the personalized management of diabetic foot ulcers, infected wounds, and athletic injuries using these dressings are also summarized. Finally, the key existing challenges and future development trends are critically analyzed, providing a comprehensive theoretical and technical framework for the advancement of next-generation intelligent wound dressings.