NSF-funded researchers create 'smart bandage' with sensors to detect infection

By embedding nanosensors in the fibers of a bandage, National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded researchers Daniel Roxbury and Mohammad Moein Safaee of the University of Rhode Island have created a continuous, non-invasive way of detecting and monitoring an infection in a wound.

"Single-walled carbon nanotubes in the bandage will be able to identify an infection in the wound by detecting concentrations of hydrogen peroxide," Roxbury said.

Until now, the challenge with using nanotubes for this purpose has been immobilizing them in a biocompatible manner such that they stay sensitive to their surroundings, he said.

"The microfibers that encapsulate the carbon nanotubes accomplish both these tasks," Roxbury said. "The nanotubes do not leach from the material yet stay sensitive to hydrogen peroxide in the wounds."

The "smart bandage" will be monitored by a miniaturized wearable device that will wirelessly detect the signal from the carbon nanotubes in the bandage. The signal can then be transmitted to a smartphone-type device that would automatically alert the patient or a health care provider.

"This device will be solely used for diagnostic purposes," Roxbury said. "The hope is that it will diagnose an infection at an early stage, resulting in fewer antibiotics and preventing drastic measures, such as limb amputation. We envision this being particularly useful in those with diabetes, where the management of chronic wounds is routine."

The technology behind the smart bandage was described in an Advanced Functional Materials article in January.

The next stage of the project involves verification that the bandage functions properly in a petri dish with live cultured cells found in wounds.

"This technology will improve the quality of life for the general public, especially those in remote or rural areas," said Nora Savage, a program director in NSF's Directorate for Engineering.

Read more: https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=302225&org=NSF&fro...

Read the study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202006254