Mechanoadaptive conductive hydrogels with dual functionalities for epidermal sEMG monitoring and diabetic wound healing

Chronic wounds of diabetes present critical challenges with impaired healing, high infection risk, and poor compatibility of conventional dressings. Effective management requires dressings integrating tissue-matched mechanics, antioxidative/anti-inflammatory activity, and bioelectronic functionalities. Herein, we report a mechanoadaptive and conductive hydrogel (denoted as GPGQ) composed of gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), grape seed extract (GSE), and quaternary ammonium chitosan (QAC). GPGQ exhibits state-dependent mechanoadaptability via enhanced hydrogen bonding: in the hydrated state, it shows a tensile strength of 0.10 MPa and compressive strength of 0.20 MPa (matching soft tissue mechanics); upon dehydration, strengths increase to 0.25 MPa and 2.3 MPa (resisting external pressure); rehydration restores >90% flexibility, ensuring long-term adaptability to tissue microenvironments. Its adhesion to porcine skin reaches 60 kPa, facilitating stable contact between the dressing and tissue. GPGQ's 3D porous network (20–80 μm) facilitates cell integration, electrolyte transport, and low-impedance conduction. Electrochemical impedance confirms low skin-electrode impedance (<10 3  Ω, 0.1 Hz–100 kHz), while signal tests validate stable sEMG acquisition and resolve 0–300 Hz bands. Biologically, GPGQ promotes fibroblast migration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Grape seed proanthocyanidins suppress IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, elevate IL-10 and TGF-β, and scavenge DPPH radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while stabilizing the glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio. In vivo studies demonstrate that GPGQ accelerates diabetic wound closure through synergistic mechanical support and biochemical modulation. These findings suggest that GPGQ holds promise as a multifunctional dressing for managing chronic wounds associated with diabetes, integrating mechanical adaptability, bioelectronic compatibility, and pro-healing bioactivity.