Title : Smart hydrogel bandage with pH-responsive colorimetric indication for real-time wound monitoring
Abstract:
The development of intelligent wound dressings has significantly advanced the field of wound care by offering both therapeutic benefits and diagnostic insights. This study focuses on a smart hydrogel bandage designed to provide real-time visual monitoring of wound healing progression through pH-responsive colorimetric changes, eliminating the need for embedded electronic sensors. The hydrogel is formulated using a biocompatible combination of natural and synthetic polymers, integrated with a pH-sensitive dye. The material visibly changes colour in response to shifts in pH within the wound environment. Since wound pH can indicate the presence of infection, inflammation, or delayed healing, this visual feedback allows for early detection of complications and timely intervention by caregivers or clinicians. To evaluate the functionality of the hydrogel, multiple characterization techniques were employed. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the hydrogel’s molecular structure and stability, while SEM imaging revealed a porous morphology suitable for moisture retention and gas exchange. Mechanical tensile testing demonstrated sufficient flexibility and strength, making the dressing suitable for various wound types and body locations.
Further, swelling and degradation studies confirmed the hydrogel’s capacity for fluid absorption and its biodegradable nature, ensuring minimal wound disturbance during dressing changes. Antimicrobial testing showed effective inhibition of common wound pathogens, supporting the hydrogel’s therapeutic role. Overall, this smart hydrogel bandage offers a cost-effective, user-friendly, and scalable solution for wound care. Its ability to visually indicate wound healing status, combined with favourable mechanical and antimicrobial properties, makes it especially valuable for home-care settings and low-resource environments. This work represents a promising step toward accessible, intelligent, and personalized wound management.
Keywords: Smart hydrogel, pH-responsive, colorimetric indicator, wound healing, antimicrobial, biocompatibility, real-time monitoring.
