State of Wound Indicated by Colour-changing Dressing

Although dressings protect wounds, the problem arises when they have to be removed to examine the injury, since that would probably mean causing pain and also allowing germs to enter.

State of a Wound Indicated by Colour-changing Dressing

Although dressings protect wounds, the problem arises when they have to be removed to examine the injury, since that would probably mean causing pain and also allowing germs to enter.

Now, scientists at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Modular Solid State Technologies EMFT in Munich have developed dressing materials and plasters, which indicate pathological changes in the skin. If an infection is present, the color of the dressing changes from yellow to purple.

Quicker Healing With Active Bandages
According to researchers, new bandages developed by US researchers take an active part in the healing process. Experiments in mice show that hydrogel

"We have developed an indicator dye which reacts to different pH values, and we have integrated it into a dressing and a plaster. Healthy skin and healed wounds usually show a pH value of below 5. If this value increases, it is shifting from the acid to the alkaline range, which indicates complications in the healing of the wound. If the pH value is between 6.5 und 8.5 an infection is frequently present and the indicator color strip turns purple," states Dr. Sabine Trupp, scientist at the EMFT, explaining the chemical reaction.

In this way the intelligent dressing material makes it possible to regularly check wounds from the outside without disrupting the healing process.

Production of the color control strip posed a number of challenges for the research scientists as it had to meet several different requirements.

Prototype Bandages Developed that Could Detect Fractures
Scientists have developed a prototype bandage that could detect hidden fractures once a person wears it.

"The dye has to remain chemically stable when bonded to the fibers of the dressing material or the plaster to ensure that it does not get into the wound. At the same time, the indicator must show a clear change in color and also react sensitively in the right pH range," says Trupp.

The experts succeeded in meeting all these requirements. A prototype of the dressing has already been produced and initial tests have proved successful.

Nanoparticle-Containing 'Self Medicating' Bandage Can Detect and Treat Infection
A 'self medicating' bandage laced with nanoparticles can detect harmful bacteria in a burn wound and respond by secreting antibiotics.

Source-ANI

Coming Soon, Dissolving Dressing for Wounds to Speed Up Healing
Researchers at the Tel Aviv University have developed a revolutionary new wound dressing, that can speed up the healing process of antibiotics

State of a Wound Indicated by Colour-changing Dressing

Although dressings protect wounds, the problem arises when they have to be removed to examine the injury, since that would probably mean causing pain and also allowing germs to enter.