Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Electrospun PCL-Silver Fibers Coupled with Chromogenic Hydrogel for Infection Sensing

Wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge due to susceptibility to bacterial infections, excessive oxidative stress and delayed cellular regeneration. The extensive and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has further intensified the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, a multifunctional smart wound dressing is developed by integrating a chromogenic hydrogel with electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers functionalized with quaternary ammonium moieties anchoring ionic silver. The PCL fibers functionalized with ionic silver provide antibiotic-free antibacterial properties, while the chromogenic hydrogel allows for real-time colorimetric detection of metabolically active microorganisms. The colorimetric assessment of the dressing in both in vitro and ex vivo environments has shown a distinct, time-dependent reaction to metabolically active bacterial populations. It has demonstrated outstanding cellular biocompatibility, increased cell viability in Vero cells, a notable decrease in oxidative stress, and enhanced cell migration in an in vitro scratch assay. This multifunctional dressing showcases a promising platform for advanced wound management applications by integrating antibacterial effects, real-time infection detection, and pro-regenerative cellular responses.