Scientists have developed a bandage that changes color as it can detect 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 there are drug-resistant bacteria, the bandage turns red through the action of an enzyme produced by the resistant germs. When this happens, researchers can lighten the bandage, causing the material to release reactive oxygen species 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.
