Thermal-feedback modality switchable hydrogel with thermoelectric self-modulation for stage-adaptive repair of infected diabetic wound.

Abstract

Hyperthermia is a promising strategy for chronic wound management, with efficacy critically dependent on precise temperature control. Current strategies largely rely on two discrete modes: high-temperature bactericidal ablation or mild hyperthermia to promote tissue regeneration. Enabling hyperthermia to autonomously match the thermal requirements of each wound-healing stage remains challenging. Herein, we developed a biomimetic thermal-feedback modality switchable (TFMS) hydrogel, obtained by copolymerizing N-isopropylacrylamide with sulfobetaine vinylimidazolium (SBVI) and loading glucose oxidase (GOx) together with EGCG-Fe³⁺-modified Bi₂Te₃. Tuning SBVI content precisely programs the volume phase transition temperature of hydrogel, enabling thermostatic photothermal antibacterial activity within a biologically safe window. GOx mediates the dissociation of the metal-polyphenol network during wound repair, thereby flexibly self-limiting the photothermal temperature and activating a thermoelectric effect at mild temperature to compensate for loss of intrinsic electric field in diabetic wounds. TFMS hydrogel enables stage-adaptive repair regulation of infected diabetic wounds through progressive regulation. Compared with commercial bioactive Flamigel, it significantly accelerates wound closure and improves wound repair quality in diabetic mice. The TFMS hydrogel expands the design of dynamic thermostatic hyperthermia in self-adaptive wound dressings, which can promote adaptability and user-friendly wound care, and has great application potential in chronic wound care.