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Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Electrospun PCL-Silver Fibers Coupled with Chromogenic Hydrogel for Infection Sensing
Partha Sarathi Mondal1, Baitali Guha1, Vaishnavi Natarajan1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, Telangana, India.
Current Microbiology
|August 2, 2026
Summary
A novel smart wound dressing integrates antibiotic-free antibacterial properties with real-time infection detection. This multifunctional material promotes healing by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing cell regeneration for advanced wound care.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- Wound healing is hindered by bacterial infections, oxidative stress, and delayed regeneration.
- Antibiotic overuse fuels antimicrobial resistance, necessitating alternative strategies.
- Current wound dressings often lack integrated infection detection and regenerative support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional smart wound dressing for enhanced wound management.
- To create a dressing with antibiotic-free antibacterial capabilities and real-time infection monitoring.
- To evaluate the dressing's biocompatibility, anti-oxidative, and pro-regenerative properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers functionalized with quaternary ammonium moieties and ionic silver.
- Integration of PCL fibers with a chromogenic hydrogel for colorimetric microbial detection.
- In vitro and ex vivo testing for antibacterial efficacy, colorimetric response, cellular biocompatibility, oxidative stress reduction, and cell migration.
Main Results:
- The PCL fibers demonstrated effective antibiotic-free antibacterial activity.
- The chromogenic hydrogel provided time-dependent colorimetric detection of metabolically active bacteria.
- The dressing exhibited excellent biocompatibility, increased Vero cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced cell migration.
Conclusions:
- The developed smart wound dressing offers a promising platform for advanced wound management.
- It integrates crucial features: sustained antibacterial action, rapid infection detection, and promotion of tissue regeneration.
- This approach addresses limitations of conventional dressings and the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
