The University of Bath will initiate a clinical trial of a smart bandage using samples from burns patients from four hospitals in the UK.

Developed by the University of Bath, the bandage changes colour as it detects infections.

It facilitates early detection of infections which paves the way for an improved treatment for burns patients while minimising the use of antibiotics and helps to combat the threat of drug-resistant bacteria.

During the double-blind trials, swabs and used dressings of burns patients will be used in laboratory tests at the University of Bath in order to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the smart bandage to infections.

The samples will also be tested by scientists at the University of Brighton to acquire genomic data from infection-causing bacteria which will help in enhancing the bandages’ performance.

The smart bandages are expected to serve as an alternative to existing diagnosis methods, which involve more time, requires removal of wound dressings and is a painful process as it can slow healing process and cause scarring.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"Diagnosing wound infection at the bedside in patients with burns will allow targeted treatment of those with true infection; allowing earlier healing and reduced scarring."

Lead clinician of trial Dr Amber Young said: “Using patients’ samples to test the dressing's ability to detect infection will take us closer to the use of the dressing in patients.

“Diagnosing wound infection at the bedside in patients with burns will allow targeted treatment of those with true infection; allowing earlier healing and reduced scarring, as well as preventing overuse of antibiotics and unnecessary dressing removal in those patients with no infection.

“This will benefit both patients and the NHS.”


Image: The glowing bandage on the left denotes occurrence of infection. Photo: courtesy of University of Bath.