Ironically, doctors may remove bandages prematurely to see if a wound is infected, slowing the healing process. It is designed to help.
Developed by scientists from the Universities of Linköping, Örebro and Luleå, Sweden, the bandage consists of a nanocellulose mesh covered with a porous silica material loaded with bromthymol blue (BTB) dye.
First of all, the mesh is tight enough to prevent bacteria from entering from the outside, but loose enough to allow the passage of fluids and gases that are essential to the healing process. remains on the wound and is not removed until it is fully healed.
Infection do However, if it occurs before that point, the bacteria will raise the pH of the wound. This occurs before more obvious symptoms such as redness and swelling appear. And importantly, BTB changes from low-pH yellow to high-pH blue when the pH value of the wound exceeds 7.
Olof Plantaver
As a result, the entire bandage turns visibly blue to the naked eye, alerting caregivers to the onset of infection. We have developed antimicrobial compounds based on molecules known as lipopeptides, which can also be incorporated into nanocellulose meshes.
“The ability to instantly see if a wound is infected without having to lift the dressing will lead to more efficient care and pave the way for a new type of wound care that will improve the lives of patients with persistent wounds. Open,” said Professor Daniel Airi of Linköping University. “It can also reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.”
A paper on this study was recently published in the journal material today bio.
Source: Linköping University
