Development of Electrically Active Smart Wound Dressing Materials

Chronic wounds are a growing healthcare challenge and often heal slowly using conventional treatments. Recent studies show that small electrical signals can play an important role in supporting wound healing by influencing cell behaviour. This project introduces undergraduate students to the development of electrically active biomaterials through a hands-on laboratory investigation. The student will focus on the fabrication of nanofibrous wound dressing materials using electrospinning, a commonly used technique in biomaterials and pharmaceutical research. The student will learn how changes in processing conditions affect fibre formation and will examine the structure of the materials using microscopy. The electrical activity of the materials will be explored by bending or gentle pressure, to mimic everyday body motion. The resulting electrical output will be measured and analysed. The student is expected to actively participate in practical laboratory work, maintain accurate lab records, and carry out basic data analysis. Full training will be provided, and no prior experience with electrospinning or electrical measurements is required. By the end of the project, the student will gain valuable experience in biomaterials research, piezoelectrical measurements, and scientific communication. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York in September 2026