Wireless Flexible Smart Bandage for Continuous Monitoring of Wound Oxygenation

IEEE Trans Biomed Circuits Syst. 2015 Oct;9(5):670-7. doi: 10.1109/TBCAS.2015.2488582. Epub 2015 Nov 4.

Abstract

Current methods in treating chronic wounds have had limited success in large part due to the open loop nature of the treatment. We have created a localized 3D-printed smart wound dressing platform that will allow for real-time data acquisition of oxygen concentration, which is an important indicator of wound healing. This will serve as the first leg of a feedback loop for a fully optimized treatment mechanism tailored to the individual patient. A flexible oxygen sensor was designed and fabricated with high sensitivity and linear current output. With a series of off-the-shelf electronic components including a programmable-gain analog front-end, a microcontroller and wireless radio, an integrated electronic system with data readout and wireless transmission capabilities was assembled in a compact package. Using an elastomeric material, a bandage with exceptional flexibility and tensile strength was 3D-printed. The bandage contains cavities for both the oxygen sensor and the electronic systems, with contacts interfacing the two systems. Our integrated, flexible platform is the first step toward providing a self-operating, highly optimized remote therapy for chronic wounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bandages*
  • Equipment Design
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / instrumentation*
  • Oxygen / analysis*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Wireless Technology / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Oxygen