(81f) Electro-Spun Textiles with Encapsulated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Multiplexed Sensing and Hydrogel Based Therapeutics Delivery

The process of wound healing induces the formation of new tissue which acts as an appropriate barrier from the external environment. For chronic and large-area wounds, it is desirable to monitor the healing process and simultaneously treat the wound, yet current strategies are limited.Therefore, creating alternate therapeutic and detection strategies for the timely monitoring and treatment of wounds is critical. Semiconducting SWCNTs with unique photophysical properties can act as fluorescent probes in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The photostability and long-term sensing abilities of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with higher sensitivity in the tissue transparency window make them suitable to detect wound biomarkers. We have previously shown that SWCNTs functionalized with certain biopolymers can detect wound biomarker, e.g. H₂O₂,
and simultaneously impart colloidal stability and enhanced biocompatibility. We further encapsulated the nano sensors into an electro spun microfiber and demonstrated the insitu detection of H₂O₂. In addition to sensing, biodegradable polymers are considered ideal for therapeutics delivery applications as they encapsulate the therapeutics providing a sustained release. Polymers in the form of nanoparticles can improve encapsulation of therapeutics and provide sustained drug release profiles. Hydrogels have network structure which makes them smart drug delivery platforms. They can enable sustained release of therapeutics with slow degradation and controlled release. The release of the stimuli-responsive nanoparticles containing therapeutics facilitate the sustained release of therapeutics to the chronic wound over time. Here, we show our progress on a dual-use biocompatible micro fibrous platform with encapsulated SWCNT-based nano sensors and drug-loaded hydrogel for biomarker detection and wound therapy.