Zheng, X. T., Zhong, Y., Chu, H. E., Yu, Y., Zhang, Y., Chin, J. S., Becker, D. L., Su, X., & Loh, X. J. (2023). Carbon Dot-Doped Hydrogel Sensor Array for Multiplexed Colorimetric Detection of Wound Healing. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(14), 17675–17687. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c01185
Abstract:
Effective wound care and treatment require a quick and comprehensive assessment of healing status. Here, we develop a carbon dot-doped hydrogel sensor array in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for simultaneous colorimetric detections of five wound biomarkers and/or wound condition indicators (pH, glucose, urea, uric acid, and total protein), leading to the holistic assessment of inflammation and infection. A biogenic carbon dot synthesized using an amino acid and a polymer precursor is doped in an agarose hydrogel matrix for constructing enzymatic sensors (glucose, urea, and uric acid) and dye-based sensors (pH and total protein). The encapsulated enzymes in such a matrix exhibit improved enzyme kinetics and stability compared to those in pure hydrogels. Such a matrix also provides stable colorimetric responses for all five sensors. The sensor array exhibits high accuracy (recovery rates of 91.5–113.1%) and clinically relevant detection ranges for all five wound markers. The sensor array is established for simulated wound fluids and validated with rat wound fluids from perturbed wound models. Distinct color patterns are obtained that can clearly distinguish healing vs nonhealing wounds visually and quantitatively. This hydrogel sensor array shows great potential for on-site wound sensing due to its long-term stability, lightweight, and flexibility.
License type:
Publisher Copyright
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - RIE2020 Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Programmatic Grant
Grant Reference no. : A18A8b0059
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Industry Alignment Fund - Pre-Positioning Programme (IAF-PP)
Grant Reference no. : H17/01/a0/0C9
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Wound Care Innovation for the Tropics (WCIT) Programme
Grant Reference no. : H1701a0004
The Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Phase 2: SRIS@Novena.