Carbon Dot-Doped Hydrogel Sensor Array for Multiplexed Colorimetric Detection of Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Chemical Sensors
• Wound Healing Diagnostics

Background:

• Effective wound care necessitates rapid and comprehensive assessment of healing status.
• Current diagnostic methods may lack the speed or comprehensiveness for timely intervention.
• Simultaneous monitoring of multiple wound biomarkers can provide a holistic view of wound condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible, stable hydrogel sensor array for simultaneous colorimetric detection of five key wound biomarkers.
• To enable a holistic assessment of wound inflammation and infection.
• To create a tool for distinguishing between healing and non-healing wounds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based hydrogel sensor array doped with biogenic carbon dots.
• Incorporation of enzymes and dyes within an agarose hydrogel matrix for sensing pH, glucose, urea, uric acid, and total protein.
• Validation of the sensor array using simulated and rat wound fluids.

Main Results:

• The sensor array demonstrated high accuracy (91.5-113.1% recovery) and clinically relevant detection ranges for all five biomarkers.
• Encapsulated enzymes showed improved kinetics and stability within the hydrogel matrix.
• Distinct color patterns visually and quantitatively differentiated healing from non-healing wounds.

Conclusions:

• The developed carbon dot-doped hydrogel sensor array offers a promising platform for on-site wound sensing.
• Its stability, flexibility, and lightweight nature facilitate practical application in wound care.
• This technology has significant potential for improving wound assessment and management strategies.