Triboelectro-responsive DNA hydrogels for accelerated healing of bacterium-infected diabetic wounds

Disturbances in endogenous electric fields always impede the wound healing process, particularly in the presence of bacterium infections. Remodeling the electric field within anti-bacterial dressings remains challenging. DNA hydrogels comprising networks of DNA strands emerge as a new class of polymeric biomaterials. In this study, we report the first triboelectro-responsive DNA hydrogels. Conductive polymers are incorporated to remodel the bioelectrical behavior with pulsed triboelectric stimulation, which activate the electrotaxis of tissues and accelerate wound healing. The specific sequences inside DNA hydrogels also assist drug delivering in response to acute events at the wound site. The integration of functional DNA materials with a triboelectric nanogenerator system exhibits excellent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and hair follicle regeneration are promoted. A striking closure of bacterium-infected diabetic wounds is achieved within 14 days (99.8 %). The prepared triboelectro-responsive DNA hydrogels are expected to constitute the next generation of smart dressings for electro-coherent therapy of chronic diabetic wounds.