Gel-Based Sensor Continuously Monitors Wounds for Infection

When bacteria make their way into wounds, they literally threaten life and limb—unless they are detected as quickly as possible. A new sensor can nestle in bandages and alert a nearby smartphone when the bacterial population tips over into dangerous territory.

Healthy human skin is covered with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which are quick to colonize an open wound. To prevent the bacteria from spreading through the body, which can permanently injure or kill a person, the infected wound may need to be cleaned and treated with antibiotics or—in the most extreme situations—the affected limb may require amputation … read more