Medical Smart Tape

An intelligent medical tape can change color to indicate a wound state below, has been invented by scientists at the Fraunhofer Research Institute in Munich.

Medical Smart Tape. (Internet photos)

Normally, a healing wound will have an acid pH of about 5 - 6. If the pH changes to alkalinity, the wound may be starting to become infected. This particular tape contains a special dye that can react with a variety of pH values. It also covers the wound like other types of bandages, but the surface is like a 'window' that can turn purple if the pH of the wound is between 6.5 and 8.5 (the first sign of condition infection). Thus, allowing patients and physicians to monitor the wound condition without changing the dressing.

Scientists are also working to integrate an optical sensor into the tape to show the image on a screen to provide accurate data on the wound.