Scientists have developed a bandage that changes Colour as it can sense and treat bacterial infections.
According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health. Detection and treatment of bacterial infections as early as possible could help improve patients' recovery as well as the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs.
Scientists at ACS Central Science have made a bandage that changes color when it detects wound-resistant, drug-resistant bacteria and can be treated accordingly.
O Xiaogang Qu and his colleagues developed a material that changes color from green to yellow when it comes in contact with the acidic microenvironment of a bacterial infection. In response to the presence of bacteria, a material embedded in the bandage releases an antibiotic that kills drug-sensitive bacteria.
If drug-resistant bacteria are present, the dressing takes on a red color through the action of an enzyme produced by the resistant microbes. When this happens, the researchers can illuminate the bandage, causing the material to release reactive species oxygeny that kill or weaken the bacteria, making them more sensitive to the antibiotic.
The team showed that the bandage could accelerate wound healing in mice infected with drug-sensitive or drug-resistant bacteria.
