Importance of Marker Molecules in Designing Sensors and Theranostic Devices for Chronic Wound Care

Chronic wounds present a significant challenge to global healthcare due to prolonged healing processes. Effective management requires understanding the four wound healing stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling; each governed by specific markers. This review highlights molecular recognition elements to detect physicochemical and biological changes that act as markers during the chronic wound healing process. This review also covers how biosensors incorporating these molecular recognition elements such as enzymes, peptides, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers are revolutionizing wound healing by enabling real-time monitoring of critical markers with high sensitivity and specificity. As part of the biosensor designs, smart hydrogels have been frequently used and can serve dual purposes by anchoring the biosensors and can also release therapeutic agents when needed for facilitating the wound recovery. Theranostic devices represent a significant breakthrough in the development of personalized wound care by enabling real-time monitoring and a simultaneous therapeutic intervention. Future advancements which aim to develop fully integrated, wearable sensors capable of detecting multiple markers simultaneously and providing comprehensive wound evaluation and management are also discussed. These innovations promise improved therapeutic outcomes and pave the way for personalized wound care solutions.