Bioelectric hydrogels and methods of manufacture and use

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bioelectric hydrogel. In one embodiment, a hydrogel comprises a hydrophilic polymer base and one or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC). The hydrogel is configured to provide a three-dimensional energy source within the hydrogel or to devises proximate to the hydrogel.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for treating the skin, the method comprising:
 applying a hydrogel comprising a hydrophilic polymer base and one or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC) to an area where a injury is present or previously occurred.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the biocompatible electrodes comprise a first bioelectric element comprising a first microparticle formed from a first conductive material, and a second bioelectric element comprising a second microparticle formed from a second conductive material. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first conductive material and the second conductive material comprise the same material. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first bioelectric element and the second bioelectric element is a three dimensional matrix capable of defining at least one voltaic cell for spontaneously generating at least one electrical current with the conductive material of the first bioelectric element when the first and second bioelectric elements are introduced to an electrolytic solution. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first bioelectric element and the second bioelectric element each comprise a discrete circuit. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising a power source. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first bioelectric element and the second bioelectric element spontaneously generate a LLEF. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first bioelectric element and the second bioelectric element spontaneously generate a LLEC when contacted with an electrolytic solution. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the LLEC provides a microcurrent between 1 and 200 micro-amperes.