3D-printed kirigami-inspired asymmetric dressings: custom elasticity and self-pumping for enhanced wound healing

Abstract

Preventing infections and managing excessive exudate in dynamic joints are vital for effective wound treatment. Accurately fitting dressings to wound shapes remains a significant challenge, which can adversely affect both healing and patient comfort. This study introduces a self-pumping dressing with a tailored shape and tensile properties. This dressing channels excessive wound fluid in a unidirectional manner achieved by electrospinning hydrophobic nanofibers embedded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto a hydrophilic 3D-printed patch featuring a kirigami structure. By systematically adjusting the parameter-cutting length l, horizontal spacing d, and vertical spacing h, we enabled the elongation of the 3D-printed patch to range from 26% to 244%. Our personalized self-pumping dressings demonstrated effective antibacterial activity, unidirectional fluid transmission, and biocompatibility, thereby accelerating wound healing. This research establishes a promising pathway for personalized and precise local wound care.