Self-Assembled AuPt/PEDOT-DNA Hydrogel Dressing: Simultaneous Bacterial Eradication and Exercise Behavior Monitoring.

Abstract

Traditional hydrogel dressings face challenges like poor adhesion and limited antibacterial effects. We developed a biocompatible polyacrylamide-DNA double-network hydrogel (AuPt/PEDOT-DNA gel), cross-linked by bis-acrylamide and DNA duplexes, offering softness, stretchability, and self-adhesiveness for direct skin application. Incorporating AuPt/PEDOT, a cascade nanozyme with peroxidase/oxidase-mimicking activities and high photothermal efficiency, enables dual antibacterial action via ROS generation and photothermal therapy. Under near-infrared irradiation, it achieves > 95% bacterial killing at safe concentrations and inhibits biofilm formation. Moreover, the intrinsic conductivity of the AuPt/PEDOT-DNA gel enables its operation as a flexible strain sensor that transduces skin deformation into motion signals, which can be harnessed to monitor periwound mechanical strain and provide active feedback to prevent excessive tissue tension, thereby complementing the antimicrobial and drug-delivery functions with biomechanical protection during rehabilitation. It conforms to wounds, prevents drug leakage, and eradicates bacteria, enhancing prospects for advanced hydrogel dressings.