This Color-Changing Bandage Glows When You're Nearing Infection
Malika Renee Butss — December 17, 2015 — Tech
References: technologyreview & fastcodesign
Researchers at the University of Bath have created a color-changing bandage that alerts wearers when they are about to get an infection. A mere prototype, this smart bandage glows fluorescent green when the wound has gotten more serious.
Created by biophysical chemistry professor Toby Jenkins, this bandage was conceived to help burn victims -- especially young ones -- stop infection in its early stages as well as eliminate antiobiotic-resistant strain due to the over prescription of antibiotics in an effort to prevent infection. Unlike most color-changing textiles, the bandage does not rely on climate, heat or moisture to function. Instead it is lined with an outer layer of dye-containing capsules that burst when in contact with toxins in bacteria.
Though the color-changing bandage is still in its conceptual stages, the technology can accurately diagnose wound infections, making a revolution in treatment of serious wounds.
Created by biophysical chemistry professor Toby Jenkins, this bandage was conceived to help burn victims -- especially young ones -- stop infection in its early stages as well as eliminate antiobiotic-resistant strain due to the over prescription of antibiotics in an effort to prevent infection. Unlike most color-changing textiles, the bandage does not rely on climate, heat or moisture to function. Instead it is lined with an outer layer of dye-containing capsules that burst when in contact with toxins in bacteria.
Though the color-changing bandage is still in its conceptual stages, the technology can accurately diagnose wound infections, making a revolution in treatment of serious wounds.
Trend Themes
1. Smart Bandages - The development of color-changing bandages that can alert wearers to potential infections presents opportunities for the healthcare industry to enhance wound care and improve patient outcomes.
2. Antiobiotic-resistant Strain Prevention - The use of smart bandages that can detect infections at an early stage can help reduce the over-prescription of antibiotics, addressing the issue of antibiotic-resistant strains.
3. Diagnostic Textiles - The innovation of color-changing textiles in the form of bandages opens up possibilities for advancing diagnostic capabilities in the healthcare sector by detecting wound infections accurately.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can explore the use of smart bandages to enhance wound care and infection prevention strategies, ultimately improving patient health outcomes.
2. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies have an opportunity to develop innovative solutions that address the issue of antibiotic-resistant strains by leveraging technology like smart bandages for infection detection.
3. Textile Manufacturing - The textile manufacturing industry can embrace the creation of diagnostic textiles, such as color-changing bandages, to expand their product offerings and cater to the healthcare sector's evolving needs.
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