Context: 

A study was published in “Science Advances” that offered to help accelerate healing of chronic wounds– using a wearable, wireless, mechanically flexible smart bandage as big as a finger.

About Smart Bandage: 

• A Smart Bandage is an advanced medical dressing that incorporates various technologies to enhance the healing process of a wound.
• It consists of integrated biosensors, soft drug loaded hydrogels and signal processing and wireless communication to provide real-time feedback and facilitate better wound management.
• The device is assembled on a soft, stretchable polymer that helps the bandage maintain contact with and stick to the skin. 

How does the Smart Bandage work? 

• Smart bandages  have built-in sensors to continuously monitor various parameters of the wound, such as temperature, pH level, moisture, and oxygenation. 
• Data collected by the bandage is passed to a flexible printed circuit board, which relays it wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet for review by a physician.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Patient Comfort: Smart Bandage doesn’t have to be removed frequently to monitor the status and apply antibiotics. 
• Remote Monitoring: Smart bandages can connect to mobile applications or remote monitoring systems, allowing patients to monitor their wounds from home. 
• Lesser Hospital Visits: Cleaning and dressing the wound increases chances of bacterial contamination every time the wound is opened. So the bandage could also reduce the number of hospital visits.

Limitations:

• Need of Biosensors: The researchers noted that the mixing of newly secreted chemicals with the old ones delayed the biosensors’ response. The biosensors might require more protection.
• Lack of Affordability: There are doubts over its affording and accessibility to people of lower socio-­economic strata.
• Reliability and Accuracy: The accuracy and reliability of the sensors and monitoring systems within smart bandages can vary.                       

News Source: The Hindu

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