Multifunctional DNA hydrogel for radiation-induced skin injury repair

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) is one of the major complications of tumor radiotherapy, and remains clinically unaddressed due to insufficient wound healing and high infection risks. To address this clinical challenge, this study developed a novel multifunctional composite material based on a DNA hydrogel. This material innovatively integrates polydopamine-modified graphene oxide (PDA@GO) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) into a DNA hydrogel matrix, achieving integrated therapeutic effects in radioprotection and tissue repair. Specifically, PDA@GO, with its excellent free radical scavenging ability, effectively eliminates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the wound microenvironment. Meanwhile, the unique three-dimensional porous network structure of the DNA hydrogel acts as an ideal sustained-release carrier for FGF2, significantly enhancing its bioavailability. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that this composite material demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory properties, and radioprotective performance. Compared with similar radioprotective agents and conventional clinical treatments, the FGF2-PDA@GO/DG hydrogel showed significant advantages in promoting wound healing and alleviating radiation-caused damage. These results support an encouraging biomaterial-based strategy for treating radiation-induced skin injury.