Scientists from Northwestern University in the USA have created a new flexible electronic bandage, which accelerates and remotely informs about the wound healing process.
Not only does the bandage provide real "electrotherapy" that enhances the body's response and accelerates tissue recovery, but it literally disappears from the body when its job is done. A step forward, for the integration between different technologies, compared to all other "electronic patches" developed so far.
How does it work?
The wireless, battery-free patch gently wraps around the wound: one flower-shaped electrode is positioned just over the lesion, while another ring-shaped electrode adheres to healthy tissue. Thanks to this system, the wound can be monitored in real time by measuring the resistance of the electric current.
If the measurements provide high results, the NFC transmission system incorporated in the bandage "warns" the doctor that the wound is not healing as it should, and he can intervene. As usual, I'll first show you the video.
An "intelligent" and "talkative" bandage
"Even though it is an electronic device, the active components that interface with the wound bed are totally resorbable by the body." To underline this aspect is John A. Rogers, who led the study published in Science Advances (I link it here).
He has something to be proud of - this is the most important feature of the device. By itself, it makes us understand how far research has come in the field of these medical technologies.
Possible applications
Electrotherapy "administered" directly to the wound, wireless communication of the process and biocompatibility are crucial factors, which project this technology towards the most diverse uses.
"Chronic" wounds such as diabetic or similar ulcers will have the possibility to be healed and monitored like never before, thanks to this bandage.
All we have to do is wait for the next stages of this experimentation, which has already been successfully completed on mice and is now about to move on to large animals. Next step: us.
Good health!
