Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a common sports injury. Current surgical interventions often result in poor healing outcomes and cannot regenerate the complex and heterogeneous tendon-bone interface. Piezoelectric materials convert the micro-mechanical energy generated by ultrasound into electrical signals, providing a potential means to overcome the limitations of traditional electrical stimulation therapy in musculoskeletal tissue repair. In addition, active and controllable drug release is becoming increasingly important in modern regenerative strategies. We have developed a Janus bilayer fiber scaffold (KZP@PS/PSPM),It has biphasic induction and immunomodulatory capabilities through piezoelectricity and oxidative polymerization. Under ultrasound irradiation, the PSPM fiber membrane converts mechanical energy into electrical signals, stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). At the same time, the upper KZP@PS layer converts mechanical energy into electrical signals, activating the electrochemical reduction of polyaniline (PANI) and inducing stress-responsive release of KZF, which secretes zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and kartogenin (KGN), to promote immune regulation and chondrogenesis. This process further enhances osteogenesis and cartilage differentiation by upregulating the ERK1 and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. In a rotator cuff injury model, the KZP@PS/PSPM composite scaffold significantly reduced early inflammatory markers and markedly improved tendon-to-bone healing. Through the synergistic “ultrasound-electric” and “electric-drug release” mechanisms, this Janus bilayer scaffold achieves biphasic induction and immune modulation, providing a new strategy to address the complex challenges of tendon-bone interface regeneration.

Original link

Advanced Functional Materials ( IF 19 )

Pub Date : 2025-12-22

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202525687

Chengzhi Liang,  Fanrong Ai,  Huajun Pan,  Fengyang Cui,  Hang Fu,  PinKai Wang,  Yudan Zhu,  Weixiang Xiong,  Dewei Qiu,  Jun Tao