Skin Temperature-Activated Multifunctional Thermoelectric Dressing for Bacterial Infected Wound Treatment

Endogenous electric field (EEF) is weakened in wounds due to electrolyte loss, hindering wound repair. Reshaping and repairing EEF play important roles in accelerating wound healing. The design of antibacterial dressings coupled with an EEF recovery ability to promote wound healing is urgent and significant. Herein, a self-powered wearable thermoelectric dressing with antibacterial, antioxidant, and EEF reshaping activities for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wound therapy is fabricated. The dressing is based on a wearable thermoelectric device constructed of a polyanionic thermoelectric hydrogel loaded with tannic acid (TA). By taking advantage of the natural temperature difference between infected wounds and the external environment, the dressing is activated to convert thermal energy into electricity, producing a continuous and compensating electric field to reshape damaged EEF and stimulate tissue regeneration. Combined with the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the TA released from the thermoelectric hydrogel, the self-powered dressing can accelerate wound healing in vivo by topical targeted sterilization, reducing inflammation and reshaping the EEF of the wounds. Thus, this dressing provides a promising and facile self-powered therapeutic strategy without the need for external stimuli to treat infected wounds.