Triboelectric nanogenerator-based strategy for preventing biofilm formation in orthopedic applications

Orthopedic implant-associated infections constitute one of the most challenging complications in musculoskeletal surgery, largely attributable to the formation of tenacious bacterial biofilms. These biofilms demonstrate inherent resistance to conventional antibiotic therapies and evade host immune mechanisms. Current prophylactic approaches-such as systemic or localized antibiotic delivery and surface modifications-often fail to establish a durable protective barrier. Moreover, their efficacy is increasingly compromised by the escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Herein, we present a self-powered antibacterial system that integrates a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with titanium-based orthopedic implants, capable of harvesting biomechanical energy from daily movement and delivering localized electrical stimulation. The TENG outputs peak voltages up to 140 V, sufficient to generate localized electric fields that induce bacterial migration and disrupt membrane integrity. Finite element simulations confirmed a robust electric potential difference between titanium and platinum electrodes, guiding bacterial repulsion away from the implant surface. In vitro assays demonstrated significant inhibition of Escherichia coli biofilm formation (∼34.6 % reduction), accompanied by morphological disruption of bacterial colonies. In vivo, TENG-driven stimulation accelerated wound healing, reduced bacterial coverage on implant surfaces by ∼12.6 %, and alleviated inflammatory infiltration in peri-implant tissues. Collectively, these findings establish a proof-of-concept for TENG-powered antibacterial orthopedic implants, offering a sustainable, biocompatible, and antibiotic-free strategy to combat implant-associated infections.