IIT Roorkee researchers develop self-powered smart bandage that uses body movement to support wound healing

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), in collaboration with the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a self-powered electronic bandage that uses natural body movement to generate electrical signals that can support wound healing. The technology does not require batteries, wires or an external power source.Called 3D-MIDAS, or 3D Monolithic Integrated Dipolar-Ionic Fibrous Architectural Scaffold, the technology converts mechanical energy generated when its flexible material stretches during body movement into electrical stimulation at the wound site.Smart scaffold combines electrical stimulation and flexibilityThe 3D-MIDAS scaffold combines electrically active nanofibres with an ionically conductive network in a three-dimensional fibrous structure. When stretched, the integrated components generate electrical signals. The scaffold can stretch to approximately 800% of its original length, enabling it to accommodate natural body movement.Its porous structure also provides breathability and supports wound-fluid management. The technology is designed to address the disruption of natural electrical signals involved in guiding cells during tissue repair after skin injury.Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said the research brings together advanced materials and interdisciplinary expertise to address a healthcare requirement through a self-powered approach.Laboratory and animal studies show healing responseThe researchers evaluated 3D-MIDAS through laboratory and animal studies. Laboratory experiments showed approximately three-fold higher cell proliferation and 2.5-fold greater cell migration compared with control conditions.In animal studies, wounds treated with the dressing recorded approximately 90–95% wound closure within 13–15 days, along with increased formation of new blood vessels. Histological analysis showed improved tissue architecture and enhanced collagen deposition in treated wounds.The dressing also generated electrical output when placed on wounds of freely moving rats, without externally applied mechanical stimulation.Device tested for repeated mechanical deformationThe device maintained stable electrical performance over 500 stretching cycles. Longer-term testing demonstrated stable performance over three months. Researchers also assessed cell compatibility, blood compatibility, inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration.Prof. Kaushik Parida, Principal Investigator, IIT Roorkee, said the technology was developed to overcome the requirement for an external power source in many electrical wound-healing systems.The self-powered design could have future applications in remote healthcare, emergency and disaster-response settings. However, the present study did not evaluate military use, and no defence application has been established. Human clinical studies will be required before routine medical use.Study published in Nano EnergyThe research has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Nano Energy under the title “3D monolithic integrated dipolar-ionic fibrous scaffold for self-powered wound healing and exudate management”. The study appears in Volume 157 (2026), Article 112266.The research was supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF).The research team included Prof. Kaushik Parida, Vishu Verma, Romy Garg, Sayanti Mallick and Aneesh Ali from IIT Roorkee, and Kanika, Jattin Kumar and Rehan Khan from INST, Mohali.Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.