Chitosan/acetoacetylated poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers incorporating starch-derived carbon quantum dots with pH-responsive color change for wound dressings

Monitoring wound healing status through pH-responsive visual cues is essential for the effective management of chronic wounds. In this study, we developed biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using hydroxypropyl starch as the carbon source via a simple, eco-friendly synthesis strategy. Composite nanofibrous dressings were subsequently fabricated by incorporating CQDs with acetoacetylated polyvinyl alcohol (AAPVA) and chitosan (CS) through electrospinning. The resulting CQDs/CS/AAPVA nanofibers exhibited pronounced optical responsiveness within the pH range of 5-8, displaying visible color and fluorescence changes under visible and ultraviolet light. Furthermore, quantitative pH detection was achieved through RGB image analysis, demonstrating strong practical potential for wound monitoring. Owing to the synergistic effects between CQDs and CS, the composite nanofibers also exhibited excellent mechanical strength (Tensile stress = 10.0 ± 1.2 MPa), high swelling capacity (∼ 619.4 ± 26.8 %), structural stability, and biocompatibility, underscoring their significant promise for intelligent chronic wound management and remote monitoring.