Bacteria-Responsive Wound Dressings for Improved Infection Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment 

Up to half of chronic wound patients with a limb-threatening infection do not show systemic infection symptoms, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment that further slow healing. Despite the prevalence of chronic wound infections, which affect >9 million patients worldwide, there is no expert consensus on the standard of care for their surveillance and treatment. Treating infections involves painful debridement and the use of local antimicrobials, such as silver, which can hinder healing and are ineffective against biofilms. 

A new wound dressing material that allows earlier surveillance and more effective treatment of chronic wound infections could improve healing and reduce amputation risks for patients. 

Our Research 

We designed ‘smart’ shape memory polymer-based wound dressings that change shape and color in the presence of bacteria. The shape and color changes alert patients and clinicians to infection to enable faster treatment. Additionally, the shape change prevents bacteria from forming biofilms to prevent infections from getting worse and to make treatments more effective.