The bandage for automatic and continuous monitoring of wounds has many benefits compared to a traditional bandage and other wound monitoring systems. A major advantage is that because the bandage can monitor the healing process, removal is unnecessary, therefore protecting the wound from outside contaminants and exposure to open air. The user will know the condition of their wound without having to expose it to the environment. Additionally, our bandage detects pH, oxygen, temperature, and nitric oxide at the wound site, and then transmits this information in the form of color changing indicators. These simplified readings make it easy to use for both patients of all ages. It also allows doctors to understand the condition of a wound in a streamlined manner. Essentially, this bandage will further protect a wound from the outside environment and convey information about the condition of the wound.

 

A similar bandage to the one we designed is the Flusitex (Fluorescence sensing integrated into medical textiles). The main goal behind the product is to reduce the amount dressing changes needed as well as sense the pH of the wound. The sensor requires certain compounds to be inserted at the wound site and a UV light to display the data to the nurse [1]. Because the system requires this equipment, the patient would have to visit a medical facility to receive information about their wound. In addition, this device mainly measures pH, while our bandage can detect pH, oxygen, temperature, and nitric oxide, all indicators of wound healing. Our bandage is a better option because it can be utilized at home and senses more components of the healing process.