High-Performance Self-Powered Flexible Thermoelectric Device for Accelerated Wound Healing

Electric signal accelerates full-thickness wound healing in the clinic, which is usually generated by a large power generation system and requires delicate control by authorized personnel. Here, a self-powered flexible and biocompatible thermoelectric device with exceptionally high power generation efficiency is developed. It generates 10 mV voltage at a temperature gradient of 10 K, outperforming all reported flexible thermoelectric devices. Accordingly, it can directly and efficiently convert the omnipresent heat in the skin to electricity at the microvolt level. The output electricity activates and upregulates the expression of Piezo1-mediated pathways that are associated with tissue regeneration, accelerating the cell migration and proliferation in vitro and healing the wound 4 days faster in vivo. Importantly, the thermoelectric device fast-heals the wound without involving any additional electric circuit such as an amplifier. These advantages will revolutionize the designing of self-powered wearable bioelectronics for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating various pathological conditions employing the skin heat.