Smart wound dressing for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria in infected wounds

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We will design and develop a low-cost multi-sensor device that enables the diagnosis of infections and focuses on highly virulent bacteria such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, which are on the WHO's list of highly pathogenic bacteria. In addition, we aim to develop novel approaches based on reactive nanomaterials to rapidly and visually assess the susceptibility of the bacteria present to antibiotics. The sensor developed will be based on the indirect detection method and will detect the enzymes released by the bacteria to increase the sensitivity of the detection. For example, the presence of bacteria will cause the color of the dressing to change due to the increase in the pH of the environment. This color change is associated with the infection and allows a user-friendly initial assessment of the infected wound with the naked eye. The specific identification of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and the distinction between antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible bacteria are signaled by the appearance of fluorescence in the corresponding areas of the multisensor dressing. The only instrumentation required for evaluation is an easily accessible and portable UV lamp. This can be incorporated into a smartphone, which will make the proposed technology cost-effective, affordable and user-friendly.

Project partners

Dr. Giorgia Giovannini

Giorgia.Giovannini@empa.ch

Dr. Luciano Boesel

Luciano.Boesel@empa.ch

Prof. Dr. Antonio Cozzio, KSSG