Photoluminescent BNCQD-Loaded Hydrogels for Real-Time Sensing, pH-Responsive Drug Release, and UV Protection

This study developed multifunctional photoluminescent hydrogels by integrating phenol-functionalized boron nitride carbon quantum dots (BNCQDs) into a photocurable semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) composed of methacrylated carboxymethyl cellulose (M-CMC) and polyacrylamide (PAM). Water-derived BNCQDs exhibited strong blue-green emission (~510 nm), temperature-dependent fluorescence behavior, and intrinsic antioxidant/antibacterial activity; embedding these nanodots into the hydrogel reinforced the network via noncovalent interactions and tuned pore architecture, swelling, and viscoelasticity. Among formulations, an intermediate BNCQD loading (PMC2) provided the best balance of mechanics, microporosity, and optical performance, enabling high UV attenuation (reported 93.2% UVA, 98.2% UVB, 99.8% UVC) while maintaining partial visible transparency. The optimized hydrogel enabled pH-responsive release of tetracycline over ~3 days (faster release at alkaline pH relevant to chronic/infected wounds), and its intrinsic fluorescence allowed real-time optical tracking of drug release with strong linear correlations versus cumulative release at multiple pH conditions. The material also functioned as a broad-range pH sensor (reported linear response across acidic-to-basic conditions). Finally, digital light processing (DLP) printing demonstrated high-fidelity, customizable microporous patches, supporting translation toward smart wound dressings and multifunctional regenerative biomaterials.