Smart Bandages: The Future of Wound Care

Scientists have created a smart bandage that can monitor and treat infections. This isn't your average bandage—it's a 3D-printed hydrogel pad that does two things at once:

• Checks the wound's pH level
• Releases medicine when needed

How It Works

The bandage is made of a special material called Pluronic F127-dimethacrylate (PF127-DMA). It's designed to be easy to print and perform two key functions:

1. Color-Changing pH Sensor

   • Uses bromocresol purple dye to indicate pH levels.
   • Healthy skin has a pH between 4.0 and 6.0.
   • An infected wound becomes more alkaline (pH 7.4 to 8.0), causing the bandage to change color.

2. Smart Drug Release

   • Releases the antibiotic levofloxacin when needed.
   • Releases more medicine when the pH is higher (indicating infection).
   • Contains graphene oxide, which enhances the medicine's effectiveness.

Test Results

• The bandage proved to be safe and effective in tests.
• A big step forward in wound care.
• Could lead to faster, more personalized infection treatment.