Researchers have created smart plasters that track the state of wound infection

Experts at the University of Rhode Island, based in the United States, have created a bandage [plaster] capable of detecting infection.

Essentially, the device will be used only for diagnostic purposes, in the hope that it will diagnose infections at an early stage, reducing the use of antibiotics and preventing extreme measures such as amputations.

The researchers say they envision the plaster being particularly useful for diabetics because their management of chronic wounds is routine.

This plaster, equipped with embedded nanosensors in bandage fibers, promises to become a continuous and non-invasive method of detecting and monitoring wounds for infection.

The study, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, notes that the new "smart bandages" can detect and even prevent wound infections.

It notes that the bandage embedded in the carbon nanotube [plaster] allows upcoming healthcare professionals to stay informed of the state of their future patients, rather than arbitrarily trying to pause the development of wound infections, which in turn will save critical time receiving treatment at the start of routine care.

"Single-walled carbon nanotubes inside the bandage will be able to identify infections in wounds by detecting the concentration of hydrogen peroxide," said Daniel Roxbury, one of the three study authors and an assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island.

Roxbury adds that before this development, the challenge of using nanotubes in such applications was to fix them in a biocompatible manner so that they remain sensitive to their surroundings.

"The microfibers that encapsulate the carbon nanotubes accomplish both of these tasks," Roxbury said, reassuring, "the nanotubes do not leach out of the material, but they remain sensitive to hydrogen peroxide within the wound." ”

The smart plaster comes with a miniaturized wearable device that will monitor it and detect signals from carbon nanotubes embedded in bandages wirelessly (via an optical link).

"The signal can then be transmitted to a smartphone-like device that is capable of sending automatic alerts to patients or healthcare providers," the study notes.

Roxbury said the device will only be used for diagnostic purposes, but noted the hope that it will be able to diagnose infections at an early stage, which will require fewer antibiotics and prevent extreme measures such as amputations.

"We envision this being particularly useful for people with diabetes because chronic wound management is routine," he said.

The researchers say the smart plaster will be tested over the next few months.