Triboelectricity: A New Spark in the Fight Against Cancer

Triboelectricity, generated through the friction between two materials, results in one material becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged. This principle underlies triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which convert mechanical energy—such as walking or cycling—into electrical energy. TENGs offer a self-sustained, low-cost, and portable power solution for electricity-assisted cancer therapies, directly addressing critical limitations such as external power dependency, bulky hardware, and limited accessibility. By harvesting biomechanical energy from patients’ daily activities, TENGs enable continuous, wearable, or even implantable therapeutic devices that enhance treatment efficacy while reducing hospital visits and overall costs. This perspective highlights the mechanisms, core advantages, and emerging biomedical applications of TENGs, with a focus on their transformative role in advancing the accessibility and effectiveness of cancer therapies.