Engineers from Tufts University have developed a new prototype bandage that actively monitors the condition of chronic wounds and delivers the appropriate drug treatments to improve the chances of healing.
Chronic skin wounds from burns, diabetes and other medical conditions can overwhelm the regenerative capabilities of the skin and can lead to persistent infections and amputations.
However, the researchers designed the bandages with healing elements and thermoresposive drug carries that deliver tailored treatments in response to embedded pH, and temperature sensors that track infection and inflammation … read more
A smart bandage placed on an arm. Temperature and pH sensors in the bandage (right) are read by a microprocessor (left), which may trigger release of drug from the bandage by sending a current through heating elements. Credit: Tufts University