By Colin Fernandez Science Correspondent For The Daily Mail
Published: 11:40 EDT, 28 November 2016 | Updated: 19:05 EDT, 28 November 2016
Bandages that glow bright yellow if the wound underneath has been infected have been developed by British scientists.
The invention is intended to give an early warning of injuries from burns or scalds going septic under the dressing.
By preventing dangerous infections from getting hold, it is hoped the dressing will save the NHS money.
Bandages that glow bright yellow if the wound underneath has been infected have been developed by British scientists. The invention is intended to give an early warning of injuries from burns or scalds going septic under the dressing
The bandages work because they contain tiny 'nanocapsules' that contain fluorescent dye.
When they come into contact with chemicals produced by disease causing bacteria, the capsules break open, releasing the dye.
The capsules are not affected by ordinary bacteria found on the skin.
Existing methods of detecting infections can take up to 48 hours to come through – as well as removing wound dressings, which can be painful and distressing.
Removal of bandages can also cause scarring.
The bandages - which also come in the form of plasters - are currently undergoing clinical trials with burns victims at four UK hospitals.
Cutting back infections has the potential of preventing overuse of antibiotics - in turn leading to bacteria becoming drug resistant.
The bandages work because they contain tiny 'nanocapsules' that contain fluorescent dye. When they come into contact with chemicals produced by disease causing bacteria, the capsules break open, releasing the dye
University of Bath researchers are carrying out trials at Southmead Hospital Bristol, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead.
The tests will establish statistically how sensitive the bandages are to infections, and how specifically they react to infections they are designed to detect.
Currently in cases of suspected infection precautionary courses of antibiotics are often prescribed.
University of Bath researchers are carrying out trials at Southmead Hospital Bristol, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead
The bandages work because they contain tiny 'nanocapsules' that contain fluorescent dye.
When they come into contact with chemicals produced by disease causing bacteria, the capsules break open, releasing the dye.
The capsules are not affected by ordinary bacteria found on the skin.
Professor Toby Jenkins, who is leading the study, said: 'We believe our bandages have great potential to improve outcomes for patients, reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and save the NHS money.
If the trials across the UK demonstrate that the bandages are effective then manufacturing could begin as early as next year
'These trials are an exciting and essential step towards getting the bandages into hospitals to help treat people, allowing us to find out exactly how well they work using real samples from patients. We hope as many people as possible agree to take part in the trial, which is completely non-invasive.'
Dr Amber Young, consultant paediatric anaesthetist at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children's hospital and the lead clinician on the trial, 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.'
If the trials demonstrate that the bandages are effective then manufacturing could begin as early as next year.
Plasters and bandages could soon be fitted with the shells of crabs to help cuts and scrapes heal faster.
The key ingredient in the dressing is a mineral called chitosan found in crustacean shells.
It is known for its healing properties as well as its ability to kill bacteria and has been used in China to treat battle wounds for centuries.
Plasters and bandages could soon be fitted with the shells of crabs to help cuts and scrapes heal faster. The key ingredient in the dressing (pictured) is a mineral called chitosan found in crustacean shells. It is known for its healing properties as well as its ability to kill bacteria and has been used in China for centuries
The high-tech alchite dressing, believed to be a world first, has been designed by the fibres science and technology team at the University of Bolton, which has patented the product.
The team has now developed a commercially viable fast-healing wound bandage and plans to sell it later this year.
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