Novel smart bandage monitors chronic wounds and enables remote consultations for patients

Nov, 2021 - By WMR

Scientists developed a smart bandage that can monitor infections and vital indicators of wounds by transmitting wound parameters wirelessly to electronic devices.

When normal healing of wound is interrupted because of various potential pathophysiological factors they turn into chronic wounds. Personalised diagnostic information for management of such wounds can be obtained from monitoring these multivariate factors. A team of researchers at the National University of Singapore designed a new smart bandage named as VeCare that monitors wounds and transmits their data to an app on doctor’s mobile device.

The newly developed single use bandage consists of four layers; a bottom layer that lies against the wound, which is followed by a flat microfluidic collection devise, an elastic electrochemical immunosensor, and a protective outer layer. When the bandage is applied to the wound, the microfluidic device draws the fluid from injury towards it through a capillary action. After connecting a separate reusable chip powered by a battery to a lead extending from the immunosensor, it starts analysing the fluid connected from injury. The bandage starts measuring the temperature and pH of the wound area within 15 minutes. The data can be utilized to find if there is any infection. This new bandage can also identify the types of bacteria that are present in the wound fluid and the level of inflammation. This whole data of the wound is directly transmitted to an app on a tablet or smartphone.

Furthermore, the new bandage enables doctors as well as patients at home performing of these VeCare tests. If the data suggests that all the wound parameters are satisfactory, the dressing can be left as it is in the place, not having to disturb the wound. The team is now developing the technology further to fulfil regulatory criteria and factors required for mass production.