The Technology
Researchers at The University of Tennessee have developed a sense-and-respond bandage for autonomous, closed-loop detection, communication, and self-mitigation of wound pathogens. Using an integrated genomic, biomedical, and nanotechnological approach, the inventors have engineered a biochip biosensor that detects the presence of bacterial pathogens and self-treats infections via the integrated release of antimicrobials. The bandage can be designed to detect a variety of pathogens, and treatment of infections associated with the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus has been demonstrated. This invention would allow highly customized antimicrobial treatment to wounded patients.

The nanofiber webbed bandage is composed of bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) that detect the presence of specific bacterial pathogens and bio luminesce to communicate pathogen presence. Via electrical induction, secondary integrated biochips then synthesize antimicrobial compounds to treat the infection. This system also allows for real-time relay of wound physiology to a central database permitting off-site wound management.

Benefits

-The smart bandage self-detects specific pathogens based on primary wound seepage and allows treatment independent of healthcare professionals coming in contact with the wound themselves.

-Enzybiotic antimicrobial treatments, an alternative to antibiotics, have both broad (species) and narrow (strain) spectrum bioactivity addressing various antibiotic resistance challenges.

Applications

-The smart bandage self-detects specific pathogens based on primary wound seepage and allows treatment independent of healthcare professionals coming in contact with the wound themselves.

-Remote medical care

-In the field military use

Publications

-PMID: 18188543

Ref # PD10043