Development of a wireless bioelectronic actuator for wound healing in a porcine model

Abstract

Wireless bioelectronic actuators have been developed to deliver targeted treatments over multiple days while continuously monitoring delivery, thereby improving wound healing. Specifically, these devices can deliver charged biomolecules such as fluoxetine cations (Flx+) and electric field (EF) in freely moving pigs. Treatments can be controlled and monitored in real time via WiFi, with options for both user-specified delivery rates and durations, as well as automated closed-loop (CL) control. The devices are engineered to handle various failure scenarios that may arise in dynamic, real-world experiments--such as communication or power interruptions--ensuring that valuable experimental data is collected with minimal disruption. The ion pump features eight drug reservoirs and channels arranged around a 20 mm diameter-wound, with a central ground electrode (0 V). When voltages above 0 V are applied to the outer channels, currents flow from the reservoirs and channels into the wound, delivering Flx+ and/or EF depending on the reservoir solution. The device records applied voltages and currents locally to a microSD card at a high sampling rate, while simultaneously transmitting real-time measurements via a local WiFi network to a wound healing algorithm running on a nearby laptop. CL control of current/delivery rate is performed by an onboard microcontroller unit (MCU) and current-source microchips, based on instructions received from the wound healing algorithm. A graphical user interface (GUI) provides intuitive user control and real-time data visualization, with support for multiple devices. In vivo studies over seven days showed that Flx+-treated wounds had a 20% lower M1/M2 macrophage ratio and 41.67% greater re-epithelialization compared to controls (standard-of-care), demonstrating the actuators potential to enhance wound healing.