Multifunctional Smart Wound Healing Patch: A Synergistic Approach by Using Electrospun PDMS with Rosemary Extract and...

Diabetic wound healing remains a serious clinical challenge, especially with chronic ulcers that heal slowly and are prone to infection. These wounds are characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), persistent microbial colonization, impaired angiogenesis, and reduced cellular proliferation, all of which delay tissue repair. In this work, an electrospun wound healing patch based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is developed, engineered to combine antioxidant and antimicrobial functions along with in vitro glucose sensing. The patch is loaded with rosemary extract, known for its ROS scavenging ability, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. A fluorescent probe made from phenylboronic acid and Alizarin Red S (PBA-ARS) is also incorporated for glucose detection. Characterization via SEM reveals well-aligned nanofibers, while FTIR, EDS, and UV-vis spectroscopy confirm successful encapsulation of the active agents. Biological evaluations show prolonged antioxidant activity and strong antimicrobial effects, supported by zone of inhibition studies, CFU analysis, and antibiofilm assays. The embedded PBA-ARS sensor shows a clear fluorescence response to glucose levels in vitro, highlighting its potential for biochemical monitoring. Altogether, this multifunctional PDMS-based patch brings together therapeutic and sensing features on a single platform, offering a promising strategy for improving the management of chronic diabetic wounds.