By now technology is advancing in every field, and especially in medicine it helps us to be more and more efficient. This is the case of #suture smart, created by researchers from MIT and Tufts University. This special type of suture monitors the #wound and report any ongoing infections.
The threads that are used - we read on Microsystems & Nanoengineering, are a mix of cotton and synthetic materials. These are able to absorb body fluids and to detect pressure, temperature, pH and glucose levels, thanks to microscopic sensors. The hi-tech suture is also able to tell us how the healing process is proceeding; the wires are connected to an electronic circuit that attaches to the skin and send data wirelessly to the PC, where the doctor can check the situation.
Someday, this clever suture will be able to do much more, like command the automatic release of an antibiotic to cure the infection in the bud. This translates into time and money savings for patients and taxpayers.
