Electroresponsive PVA/Cu-BTC@Aloe hydrogel dressing for enhanced antibacterial activity and directional cell migration

Efficient wound management remains a critical challenge in clinical medicine and public health. Hydrogel-based wound dressings have garnered significant attention due to exceptional moisture retention and inherent cooling analgesia effects. This study develops an electrically triggered PVA/Cu-BTC@Aloe composite hydrogel for advanced wound healing. By incorporating Cu-BTC@Aloe nanocomposites (synthesized via Aloe adsorption onto Cu-BTC followed by freeze-thaw crosslinking with polyvinyl alcohol), the material achieves enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength: 438.9 ± 42.7 kPa, + 47% vs. pure PVA) and dual functional capabilities. Under 3 V electrical stimulation, the cumulative release of Aloe at 3 h increased from 47% to 62%. Meanwhile, the hydrogel achieved antibacterial efficiencies of 97.8 ± 2.2% against Staphylococcus aureus and 99.9 ± 0.1% against Escherichia coli, while maintaining favorable cytocompatibility and promoting directional cell migration toward the anode of fibroblasts. The integration of electroresponsive materials, natural bioactive constituents, and electrical stimulation provides a promising multifunctional platform for electrically assisted wound management.