Smart Bandage

June 5, 2023

Researchers have developed a smart bandage which can help treat chronic wounds.

About Smart Bandage:

  • What it is? It is a soft stretchable polymer that helps the bandage maintain contact with and stick to the skin.
  • The bioelectronics system consists of biosensors that monitor biomarkers in the wound exudate.
  • Data collected by the bandage is passed to a flexible printed circuit board, which relays it wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet for review by a physician.
  • A pair of electrodes control drug release from a hydrogel layer as well as stimulate the wound to encourage tissue regrowth.

How does it work?

  • Biosensors determine the wound status by tracking the chemical composition of the exudates, which changes as the wound heals.
  • Additional sensors monitor the pH and temperature for real-time information about the infection and inflammation.
  • A pair of electrodes, the same electrodes that stimulate the tissue, control the release of drugs from a hydrogel layer.
  • The wireless nature of the device sidesteps the problems of existing electrical stimulation devices, which usually require bulky equipment and wired connections, limiting their clinical use.