UVC-Enabled Smart Bandage for Treatment and Temperature Monitoring of Chronic Wounds

Abstract

: This study presents the development of an ultraviolet-C (UVC)-enabled smart bandage embedded with a temperature sensor, designed for the treatment and management of chronic wounds. The bandage also incorporates an RGB light-emitting diode (LED) and a microcontroller. It features a high-precision temperature sensor with an accuracy of ± 0.1 ◦ C for real-time wound temperature monitoring. The UVC LED is employed to eliminate bacteria on wound surfaces, while an RGB LED, controlled by a microcontroller, signals the need for treatment and any changes in wound temperature. The strip is etched on a 25 µ m thick Kapton film to offer flexibility and comfort for wearing on the body and is seamlessly integrated into a cotton crepe bandage, forming a smart bandage. The embedded electronics are protected from wound exudates with a conformal polyurethane encapsulant film. Initial results indicate that the sensor achieves an accuracy of 97% in free space, inside a bandage, and on the human body.