Polímeros inteligentes para el control y monitorización de heridas crónicas

Abstract

Throughout my thesis I have been working on the design, synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials as sensors for the control and monitoring of chronic wounds in humans. I have carried out a bibliographic search and a study with real samples to find biomarkers related to the state of these types of wounds, and I have selected the amino acids and the Zn (II) cation as possible candidates. I have prepared two amino acid colorimetric sensors, one based on displacement systems (IDAs, Indicator–Displacement Assays) and the other on chemical dosimeters, to indirectly evaluate the activity of metalloproteases, enzymes related to the state of chronic wounds. In addition, my work has been completed with a third fluorogenic sensor for Zn (II), a cation present in this type of enzyme. All the proposed sensors have been prepared in film or membrane format, specifically so that their use is simple and oriented to their use in a real situation. These sensors have been tested in real samples of chronic wounds, demonstrating their validity in diagnosis and their usefulness in their follow-up. Finally, an application (App) for smartphones (Colorimetric Titration, App for Android and iOS) has been developed that facilitates the use of smart polymers, giving rise to an integral sensor system, and that allows a quantitative analysis to be carried out in a way simple.