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'Smart bandage' under development by British doctors
08/07/2010
A brand-new experimental 'intelligent' bandage has succeeded in helping heal a toddler's severe burns.
The 'smart' dressing is filled with nano-capsules of drugs that are triggered into action when there is harmful bacteria present. They release antibiotics into wounds to head-off any infections.
Doctors in Bristol's specialist burns unit recently tested the new piece of medical equipment – known as Bacteriosaf – on 13-month-old Isambard Ebbutt, who had been severely scalded by hot tea. Due to his young age, he was particularly susceptible to wound infections.
Project leader Dr Toby Jenkins of Bath University said the infection-fighting capabilities of Bacteriosafe – which also changes colour when the nano-capsules are in action – could be of huge benefit in combat zones.
"Being injured in the desert or the battlefield makes them extremely prone to infection so such a dressing for their wounds would be a tremendous boon," he said.
"The dressing is only triggered by disease-causing bacteria which produce toxins that break open capsules containing the antibiotics and dye which makes it take on a green hue."
The effect of the bandages on Isambard meant that the 32 per cent burns across his face and body healed fully, without the scarring that can come from infected wounds. His parents were able to take him home after just 10 days in hospital.
The doctors are working on the prototypes at the moment and hope to start clinical testing in around three years. Dr Jenkins anticipates there being a strong global sales market for the equipment when it is ready.
The 'smart' dressing is filled with nano-capsules of drugs that are triggered into action when there is harmful bacteria present. They release antibiotics into wounds to head-off any infections.
Doctors in Bristol's specialist burns unit recently tested the new piece of medical equipment – known as Bacteriosaf – on 13-month-old Isambard Ebbutt, who had been severely scalded by hot tea. Due to his young age, he was particularly susceptible to wound infections.
Project leader Dr Toby Jenkins of Bath University said the infection-fighting capabilities of Bacteriosafe – which also changes colour when the nano-capsules are in action – could be of huge benefit in combat zones.
"Being injured in the desert or the battlefield makes them extremely prone to infection so such a dressing for their wounds would be a tremendous boon," he said.
"The dressing is only triggered by disease-causing bacteria which produce toxins that break open capsules containing the antibiotics and dye which makes it take on a green hue."
The effect of the bandages on Isambard meant that the 32 per cent burns across his face and body healed fully, without the scarring that can come from infected wounds. His parents were able to take him home after just 10 days in hospital.
The doctors are working on the prototypes at the moment and hope to start clinical testing in around three years. Dr Jenkins anticipates there being a strong global sales market for the equipment when it is ready.
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