29-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a revolutionary skin patch called PETAL that utilizes sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to assess the progress of wound healing. The paper-thin patch, shaped like a pinwheel flower, consists of five sensing regions, each tracking different biomarkers such as temperature, acidity, uric acid, moisture, and trimethylamine.
The patch collects fluid from the wound and distributes it to the sensors, which use color-changing chemicals to measure the respective indicators. By capturing an image of the patch with a smartphone and employing an AI algorithm, medical professionals can quickly analyze the data to determine if the wound is healing properly and whether it is infected, without the need to remove the dressing.
The PETAL patch offers several advantages, including its customizability for different types and sizes of wounds, seamless integration into wound dressings, and self-powered operation that eliminates the need for an external energy source. During experiments on chronic and burn wounds, the patch demonstrated an impressive accuracy rate of approximately 97% in distinguishing between healing and non-healing wounds.
The team envisions the patch being particularly useful for severe wounds, such as chronic wounds, which require careful monitoring and intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. As Singapore’s population ages, the demand for advanced wound care solutions is expected to grow, making PETAL a valuable addition to the medical field.
The researchers’ aim is to simplify and streamline the wound assessment process, which currently relies on time-consuming and expensive laboratory-based technologies. By consolidating multiple indicators into a single paper-based sensor patch, PETAL offers a cost-effective solution for wound care.
Overcoming the challenges of incorporating different sensing principles and materials into the tiny patch was a significant feat for the research team. Following further clinical trials expected to last approximately three years, the researchers plan to introduce PETAL to medical practitioners for use on more severe injuries, including chronic wounds. Ultimately, their goal is to make the technology widely available to consumers, empowering them to monitor and promote proper wound healing, even for minor cuts.
