Work

Inflammation-triggered sensing and miRNA immunotherapy with a wireless battery-free hydrogel bioelectronic patch

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for the management of periodontal diseases driven by immune dysregulation. However, in situ sensing and drug delivery in the oral cavity remain challenging due to biological disparities between electronic devices and oral tissues. Here, we report a flexible, battery-free and hydrogel-based bioelectronics that integrates biological functions and wireless signal transmission for periodontal inflammation monitoring and localized microRNA (miRNA) immunomodulation. The hydrogel, synthesized from gelatin with bioactive peptide sequences cleavable by matrix metalloproteinases, responds specifically to protease activity associated with periodontal disease progression. Its enzymatic degradation is wirelessly transduced into quantitative radio-frequency signals of local immune activity, while simultaneously triggering the release of embedded miRNAs as critical immune regulators. In vitro and animal validations demonstrated diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy, leading to suppression of the inflammatory response. The combination of biosensing, wireless feedback and miRNA-based immunotherapy provides a closed-loop, adaptable platform for personalized management of periodontal and other inflammation-related disorders.

Source: National Science Review

DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwag409