Exploring Conductive Polymers in Biomaterials for Electroactive Wound Dressings and Controlled Drug Release

Abstract

Conductive polymers possess electrical conductivities similar to those of human skin, as well as antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and can facilitate the various mechanisms of wound healing through electrical stimulation and targeted drug delivery. This technology can also enable monitoring of wounds in real time and therapeutic responses to the developing wound. This review highlights how using conductive polymers with biomaterials can pave the way for electroactive wound dressings and systems for controlled drug release. We will review the types of conductive polymers, the mechanisms behind their healing and drug delivery, and future directions for research.