Nanomaterial-based scaffolds endowed with halochromic properties for skin healing purposes

Recently, biomedical engineering has seen significant advancements in nanomaterial-based scaffolds for tissue engineering and wound healing. Incorporating halochromic properties within these scaffolds has garnered substantial interest due to their real-time monitoring abilities for accessing tissue growth and regeneration. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in nanomaterial-based scaffolds with halochromic functionalities for skin biomedical applications. This discussion revolves around the various classes of nanomaterials used in scaffold fabrication, including but not limited to electrospun nanomaterials, polymeric nanomaterials (both of natural and synthetic origins), and nanomaterials based on bio-composites, each offering distinct advantages and limitations in terms of mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and tunability of halochromic response. Emphasis is placed on integrating halochromic moieties, such as pH-sensitive dyes, into the scaffold matrices, with a focus on maintaining optimal cytocompatibility and biofunctionality. A key focus is given to recent in vitro studies showcasing the potential of halochromic nanomaterial-based scaffolds in clinical applications. The novelty of this study lies in providing a structured framework for understanding the interaction between halochromic nanomaterials and biomedical scaffolds, identifying challenges, and proposing future research directions to enhance their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.