MicroRNAs as emerging biomarkers for chronic wound monitoring: Analytical methods for the point-of-care detection

Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge due to their prolonged healing time and susceptibility to infection and inflammation. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have identified microRNAs as promising biomarkers for real-time monitoring of wound status, given their regulatory roles in the three phases of the healing process: inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. This review explores the potential of microRNAs as diagnostic tools for chronic wound management, with special focus on analytical strategies suitable for point-of-care (POC) detection like paper-based lateral flow assays or electrochemical techniques. We critically assess the advantages and limitations of current technologies regarding sensitivity, specificity, integration, and usability in decentralized healthcare settings.