Smart bandage

2021: The announcement of a smart bandage transmitting medical evidence to a smartphone

At the end of October 2021, a smart bandage was introduced that transmits medical evidence to a smartphone. The novelty contains a sensor that can very sensitively measure the level of moisture of the wound, and then transfer the data to the user's mobile device, without requiring doctors to remove the bandage itself for visual examination.

Over time, by changing the geometry and materials of the bandage, researchers will be able to fine-tune it for various types of wounds: burn, stab wound, tangent bullet wound. This technology can help doctors more easily and successfully control wound healing in a patient. Chronic wounds can be a source of significant suffering and disability for patients who encounter them. Healing of such wounds is difficult, and there are many factors that can affect wound healing, such as temperature, glucose and acidity. However, one of the most important is the humidity level. In case it is too dry, the fabric can dry out, and if it is too wet, the skin can become white and wrinkled, as happens in the bathroom. Both options only disrupt the healing process and increase the rehabilitation process.

A smart bandage is presented that transmits medical evidence to a smartphone

However, if the doctor wants to check the moisture level of the wound, he will have to remove the bandage, which can lead to damage to tender healing tissue. These problems inspired us to create the latest smart bandage, which allows us to non-invasively control the level of humidity of the wound. The choice of materials was a difficult task, since bandages should be biocompatible, disposable and inexpensive.

PEDOT: PSS is an organic semiconductor polymer that is easily applied to various substrates as standard inks. We also built into the textile patch a cheap, disposable and bandage-compatible radio frequency identification (RFID) label similar to those used for clothing safety labels. The label can wirelessly transmit humidity level data to the smartphone, which allows medical personnel to know when the bandage needs to be changed, "explained study author Dr. Marta Tessarolo.

To achieve this, the researchers applied a conductive polymer called poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate to gauze using a technology called screen printing, and then combined the gauze with commercially available dressings. The idea of ​ ​ experts is that a change in the level of humidity in the wound causes a change in the electric signal measured by the built-in sensor.^[1]

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