A team of engineers from MIT have developed a flexible, hardware-embedded bandaid that could revolutionize the way doctors administer wound treatment. But why is this biomechanical engineering feat so awesome? Here's how:
1. The bandage itself behaves similar to human skin.
When professor Xuanhe Zhao and his team of engineers at MIT went about creating a skin-friendly material, they knew that they needed to work with an adhesive substance and one that was able to bend and move with the human body, such as the elbow or knee. The chosen hydrogel of the bandage itself is primarily water-based, making it soft, stretchy, and compatible with skin.
2. It's probably smarter than you.
The bandage is embedded with a set of electronic hardware and drug reservoirs held in place with the hydrogel. This "smart" bandaid can actually monitor a wound, administer drugs and alert a doctor when more medication is needed through a series of LED lights that are activated when sensors detect a change in skin temperature or other vitals. It's also possible for the bandage to be connected to an app, creating a new meaning to today's trend of wearable technology.
3. The hydrogel can be employed for more than just skin applications.
But wait, there's more! Because hydrogel is such a flexible, soft substance, researchers are interested in using the material to build neural probes and long-term devices that can be placed inside the body and even the brain. Although it is pending FDA approval, a primary application of the bandage is expected to be with burn wound dressing.
Check out the video below to learn more:
