Table 1.

List of markers with applications in engineering smart wound dressings

(Bio)marker	Significance	References
pH of wound	Understanding wound status. For example, elevated pH in wound bed is a sign of infection.	[39–41]
Temperature	Providing information on various factors relevant to healing, infection, inflammation and oxygenation in the wound environment.	[42–44]
Oxygen	Hypoxia in a chronic wound may be detrimental to the healing process. The oxygen level also indicates the rate of angiogenesis.	[45, 46]
Moisture	Moisture in the wound bed reduces the inflammation and enhances the proliferative phase of dermal repair and rate of revascularization compared to dry wound conditions. Also, excessive wound fluid may increase the risk of bacterial infection.	[47]
Mechanical and electrical	The mechanical and electrical properties of skin or wound change in response to skin disorders or diseases as well as during the healing process.	[42, 48]
Enzymes	The upregulation or downregulation of enzyme levels can indicate abnormalities. For example, the upregulation of cathepsin G and elastase has been suggested as indicators of infection.	[49]