A zwitterionic cellulose-based skin sensor for the real-time monitoring and antibacterial sensing wound dressing

Wound infection can induce inflammation and impede wound healing, being a major challenge in wound care management. A household device that can monitor infection in real time, prevent bacterial, and promote wound healing is highly desired but still rarely investigated. In this work, a novel zwitterionic cellulose-based hydrogel that enables continuously real-time monitoring and pro-healing of infected wound is designed. It is based on interpenetrating polymeric networks, including zwitterionic covalent bond network and physical bond network of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with Ag+ via metal-coordination interactions. When used as a sensing dressing, it is developed to exhibit pH-responsive and temperature-responsive properties for assessment of wound infection. Moreover, Ag+ can be released from carboxyl groups of CMC in response to the decrease of pH, killing bacteria and promoting wound healing. This zwitterionic carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel sensor opens new avenues for domestic real-time monitoring and pro-healing of infected wound.