Self-assembled DNA-THPS hydrogel as a topical antibacterial agent for wound healing.

We report a novel and potential wound dressing hydrogel based on DNA and a green industrial microbiocide tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) via one-pot self-assembly. Intermolecular electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding between DNA and THPS together drive the formation of the adhesive DNT (DNA+THPS) hydrogel, featuring with self-healing, shear-thinning and injectability. This wound dressing hydrogel possesses broad-spectrum antibacterial ability with low cytotoxicity to L929 cells. Furthermore, the wound dressing can reduce the risk of wound infection by releasing THPS to suppress bacterial spread and accelerate wound healing. The low cost and simple preparation may make the hydrogel attractive in biomedical applications and could be a good reference to others.