A Flexible Antibacterial Gel Electrochemiluminescence Device for Monitoring and Therapy of Chronic Diabetic Wounds

Abstract

The rapid development of internal light-driven photodynamic therapy stems from its capability to eliminate bulky physical light sources, addressing the medical requirements for comfort and portability in long-term diabetic wound management. To overcome limitations such as tissue penetration depth and controllability of internal light sources, this study introduces an antibacterial gel electrochemiluminescence device for the treatment of diabetic wounds and the monitoring of wound bacteria. We deploy a large-area luminescent device combining flexible screen-printed electrodes and a dual-network hydrogel, in which photodynamic therapy is driven by Ru@COFs' nanoconfinement-enhanced near-infrared electrochemiluminescence to achieve a deeper and safer antibacterial effect. The custom-sized screen-printed electrodes inherit the inborn electrochemical sensing function and enable intimate contact between reactive oxygen species and the wound. The device avoids physical light sources and provides a new paradigm for developing miniaturized integrated diagnostic and therapeutic wearable devices.