Wireless-powered electroluminescent sutures for localized photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by poor light penetration, systemic photosensitizer toxicity, and bulky equipment, restricting perioperative use. Here we report a wireless-powered electroluminescent PDT suture (PDT-suture) administered with Rose Bengal (RB) for intraoperative guidance and perioperative treatment. The suture is a multilayer fiber (conductive core, insulating layer, ZnS/polymer shell) fabricated by continuous draw-coating. Under wireless power transmission without exposed wired connections, it emits stable green light matched to RB absorption directly along the wound, remaining functional after repeated bending and exposure to physiological conditions, enabling conformal illumination and efficient ROS generation. The PDT-suture rapidly eradicates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro and shows in vitro photodynamic cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells. In vitro, the treatment enhances ROS generation and reduces melanoma cell viability. In infected wounds, PDT-mediated bacterial clearance is accompanied by modulation of the immune microenvironment (28% reduction in TNF-α) and promoted vascularization (264% increase in CD31). Overall, the PDT-suture demonstrates antibacterial activity, in vitro photodynamic cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells, and a preliminary in vivo trend toward tumor growth inhibition, together with real-time tracing capability for precise surgical guidance. This suture-and-treat platform provides a practical route for postoperative infection control and localized photodynamic therapy.