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

Abstract

Developing wound dressings that support healing and allow real-time monitoring is a key priority in modern wound care. 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 made by solution blending and freeze-drying. They formed porous, absorbent structures that quickly absorbed fluid and managed wound exudates effectively. 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 absorbance shifts under acidic and alkaline conditions. It also showed that curcumin remained [~]80% stable after 14 days in the polymer matrix 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 {approx} 0.99), highlighting the feasibility of low-cost digital wound monitoring. Mechanical testing indicated sufficient tensile strength and flexibility for practical wound application. Quantitative antibacterial data (inhibition zone diameter and MIC) supported strong antimicrobial performance. The primary objective of this study was to develop a multifunctional wound dressing capable of both protecting and monitoring wounds in real-time. The proposed system is specifically designed for chronic and infected wounds where pH imbalance delays healing. In addition to antimicrobial activity, the fabricated films demonstrated desirable swelling capacity and sustained curcumin release, further highlighting the practical applicability of the dressing in wound care. 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. Overall, the curcumin-loaded CMC/PVA dressing provides a multifunctional platform that combines biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, pH-responsive biosensing, mechanical stability, and cost-effectiveness for next-generation wound care. Future studies will investigate in vivo performance, long-term stability, and clinical translation potential.