Chinese scientists from Dunhua University in Shanghai have found that the use of electrified threads accelerates the healing process of postoperative sutures in rats. The study is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications (NatComms). Previous experiments have shown that a weak electric current promotes tissue regeneration. However, this requires connecting the surgical suture to an external power source. In the new work, the team has developed filaments made from biodegradable polymers and magnesium that are absorbed by the body without harm. When muscles and other tissues around the surgical site move, the middle layer of the suture rubs against the outer covering, transferring electrons. The resulting electricity stimulates the incision to tighten. In laboratory experiments, it was found that magnesium filaments were capable of generating 2.3 volts during normal activity. When used with living tissue, the method was found to accelerate healing by 50% compared to non-electrified sutures. In addition, the electric current reduced bacteria levels at the incision site even without the use of disinfectants. In the future, the scientists intend to test their development on larger animals and then try it on humans.