Smart dressing as a solution to antibiotic resistance

Changing color depending on the case, this smart dressing detects and eliminates bacteria that are resistant to drugs.

More and more often, doctors are facing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The WHO even sounded the alarm for a change in the way in which these treatments are used. Researchers fromChinese Academy of Sciences may well have the solution.

An intelligent dressing that treats an infection

In a study published in the journal ACS Central Science, scientists announce that they have developed an intelligent dressing capable of fighting a bacterial infection. To do this, the object changes color depending on the circumstances.

In the beginning, it is green. If the bandage detects an environment with an acidic pH, usually caused by bacterial infection, it turns yellow. At the same time, it secretes an antibiotic capable of eliminating pathogens.

In 2015, British researchers had designed a plaster that would change color if infected, but did not treat it.

And who fights resistant bacteria

But the intelligent dressing of Chinese researchers does not stop there. Indeed, if it detects an enzyme produced by a resistant bacteria, it turns red. In this case, it will secrete new antibiotics capable of defeating microbes recalcitrant.

To do this, this photodynamic therapy uses a molecule that can initiate a photochemical reaction. When exposed to light of a specific wavelength, it produces a form of oxygen that weakens the bacteria, making her vulnerable to antibiotic treatment.

Scientists were able to demonstrate that their smart dressing can detect E. coli infection after testing in mice. In addition, he can distinguish cases of resistance from others, more classic. In both scenarios, the treatment applied was successful.

If this technology is not really a smart health connected dressing, it could constitute a affordable alternative to treat resistant bacteria.

[ad_2]