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Curcumin-Loaded Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Polyvinyl Alcohol Smart Wound Dressing: A Biosensor Approach for pH-Responsive Monitoring and Healing

Authors :

Saeid Orangi¹ Soodabeh Davaran²

1- دانشگاه تربیت مدرس 2- دانشگاه علوم پزشکی تبریز

Keywords :

Smart Wound Dressing،Carboxymetyl Cellulose،Polyvinyl alcohol،Tissue regeneration،Curcumin،Colorimetric Biosensor،Biopolymer،Hydrogel،Biocomaptible،Wound Healing

Abstract :

The development of multifunctional wound dressings that provide both therapeutic support and real-time monitoring is a major priority in advanced wound management. In this study, we designed a curcumin-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite dressing with integrated pH-responsive colorimetric sensing. The films were fabricated via solution blending and freeze-drying, yielding porous, highly absorbent structures capable of rapid fluid uptake and equilibrium swelling, ensuring efficient wound exudate management. Curcumin served as both a therapeutic agent—delivering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects—and a natural colorimetric indicator through its keto–enol tautomerism, enabling reversible pH-dependent transitions visible to the naked eye. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed these optical shifts, correlating distinct absorbance changes with acidic and alkaline conditions, and further demonstrated curcumin stability within the polymeric matrix, retaining ~80% of its absorbance after 14 days of storage. FTIR and SEM confirmed successful incorporation and uniform distribution of curcumin within the polymer network. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, while disc diffusion and MIC assays revealed significant antibacterial activity of the curcumin-loaded films against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, confirming their potential to reduce bacterial growth. Smartphone-based RGB analysis showed a strong correlation with pH (R² ≈ 0.99), highlighting the feasibility of low-cost digital wound monitoring. Cost–benefit analysis demonstrated clear economic advantages over commercial gauze-based and hydrocolloid dressings. The fabrication method is compatible with industrial scale-up, although process optimization is required. Overall, the curcumin-loaded CMC/PVA dressing provides a multifunctional platform that combines biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, pH-responsive biosensing, and cost-effectiveness for next-generation wound care. Future studies will investigate in vivo performance, long-term stability, and clinical translation potential to validate its effectiveness in real-world conditions.