3D-printed sensor ‘sniffs’ wound infection, changes colour

Explaining how the indicator works, Professor Mills says: “If infection is starting in a wound, there is often a sudden growth of aerobic microbiological species and as they grow they generate carbon dioxide. Our indicator detects this rise in carbon dioxide causing the dot to change colour, flagging the infection in its very early stages before it actually takes hold and overwhelms the patient’s immune system. This means it can be treated quickly, avoiding unnecessary pain for the patient and significantly reducing the possible need for hospitalisation.” 

Professor Brendan Gilmore from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s says: “This sensor can provide an early warning of infection before it has progressed to a chronic, persistent colonisation of the wound by microorganisms which are by then much more difficult to treat effectively with antibiotics. The sensors respond quickly to the presence of infection, and allow healthcare providers to make informed decisions about managing the wound, including whether or not to use antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic use is known to drive the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Crucially, these sensors can tell us whether or not the intervention has worked in killing the microorganisms which caused these infections.” 

The project is entering the next phase where an app will be developed so that the patient will be alerted if there is an infection. The same information would also be sent to the patient’s nurse or doctor and be used to inform treatment plans. Professor Mills says: “We are very pleased to now have our research findings published and to be able to offer a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive way to monitor the progress of healing wounds. We are currently in discussions with industry in how to take this forward and we hope to run clinical trials soon.” 

Source: Queen’s University Belfast