Integration of Functional Polymers and Biosensors to Enhance Wound Healing

Abstract

Biosensors have led to breakthroughs in the treatment of chronic wounds. Since the discovery of the oxygen electrode by Clarke, biosensors have evolved into the design of smart bandages that dispense drugs to treat wounds in response to physiological factors, such as pH or glucose concentration, which indicate pathogenic tendencies. Aptamer-based biosensors have helped identify and characterize pathogenic bacteria in wounds that often form antibiotic-resistant biofilms. Several functional polymers have served as indispensable parts of the fabrication of these biosensors. Beginning with natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan, and silk-based fibroin, which are biodegradable and absorptive, advances have been made in formulating biocompatible synthetic polymers such as polyurethane and polyethylene glycol designed to reduce non-specific binding of proteins and cells, making biosensors less painful or cumbersome for patient use. Recently, polycaprolactone has been developed, which offers ductility and a large surface-area-to-volume ratio. There is still room for advances in the fabrication and use of biosensors for wound healing and in this review, the trend in developing biosensors from biomarker detection to smart dressings to the incorporation of machine learning in designing customized wound patches while making application easier is highlighted and can be used for a long time.