Patch controls wound healing

Patch controls wound healing: Smart bandage makes infections visible

Monitor the healing process of wounds without changing the dressing? No problem with the new association scientists of the Munich Fraunhofer Institute for Modular Solid State Technologies (EMFT) have developed from a material that changes color as soon as the wound becomes infected.

Infection risk due to dressing change
Until now, bandages for wound control had to be removed on a regular basis, but this always involved the risk of infection. Because the germs were able to penetrate into the open wounds and then spread out under the bandage. In order to avoid such complications in the healing process of wounds, the specialists of the EMFT have now developed a material that indicates infection of the wound or pathological changes of the skin by a discoloration of the dressing from yellow to purple. Thus, no unnecessary dressing changes to the sighting of miracles are required and the healing process can run optimally.

Discoloration depending on pH
The discoloration of the patch or dressing is based on a specially developed indicator dye, which is contained in the material and responds to the pH of the wound. Because with healthy skin and healed wounds, the pH is usually below 5 and increases in infections to 6.5 to 8.5. The special thing was that „the dye (...) be chemically stable bound to the fibers of the dressing material or the plaster“ must, explained Sabine Trupp from the EMFT. Because „only in this way is it guaranteed that he will not get into the wound. At the same time, the indicator must show a clear color change and, moreover, react sensitively in the correct pH range“, emphasized the expert. First tests with a prototype of the association have already been successfully completed, so that the clinical-dermatological application, which should be carried out at the University of Regensburg, nothing stands in the way.

Intelligent dressing materials of the future
But EMFT scientists are striving for more. In a next step, they are already thinking of associations with integrated optical sensor modules that can measure the pH and display the results on the display of a reader. This would make it possible to read off the exact pH value and even better assessment of the wound healing process would be possible. „Our recent studies on pH in both acute and chronic wounds have shown that it plays a key role in wound healing“, said the responsible for the medical side of the project Philipp Babilas of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology in Regensburg. The scientists also want to use the knowledge gained to develop new dressing materials. (fp, 04.11.2010)

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Image: Stephanie Hofschlaeger