Multifunctional CeO2/PCL Nanofibrous Scaffold with Integrated pH Sensing and Enhanced Stem Cell Adhesion.

Abstract

The delayed healing of skin wounds poses significant health risks and increases medical burdens, necessitating the development of multifunctional dressings that can actively monitor and promote the healing process. In this study, a multifunctional CeO2/PCL nanofibrous scaffold integrating real-time pH sensing, enhanced stem cell adhesion, and antioxidant functions was developed. A series of composite scaffolds with tunable CeO2 nanoparticle loadings (7.1-31.6 wt %) were fabricated via a facile one-step electrospinning technique. Notably, the CeO2/PCL-13.3 wt % scaffold achieved an optimal balance of tensile strength (1.927 MPa) and elongation at break (70%), fully satisfying clinical wound dressing requirements. Phenol red loading enabled naked-eye pH monitoring (4.0-10.0) via metal-phenolic coordination. Comprehensive evaluations demonstrated that the composite scaffolds exhibited significant antibacterial activity, potent reactive oxygen species scavenging capability, and excellent biocompatibility. The scaffolds maintained over 80% human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells viability within 72 h and significantly promoted stem cell migration in wound healing assays. This integrated platform unifies visual diagnostics and therapeutic functions for advanced wound management.