Researchers at Swansea University in the UK are developing 3D printed “smart bandages” that can precisely monitor the healing of a wound. The bandages would use 5G data to transfer information about a wound to computers or other smart devices.
In order to see how a wound is healing up, it is generally necessary to remove any obstructing bandages and dressing. That familiar practice could soon be a thing of the past, however, because researchers at Swansea University in the UK are developing 3D printed “smart bandages” that can do the observation for you.
The researchers say that these incredible futuristic swathes, packed with sensors and 5G data transfer technology, could help doctors track the healing progress of a patient’s wound, reducing the need for constant checkups while providing immediate warnings if the injury appears to be infected or otherwise a matter of concern. The work is being led by Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science.
According to the Swansea researchers, monitoring of the wound would be carried out by tiny sensors developed by nanotechnology experts, while 3D printers would be used to fabricate the bandages in an affordable manner. Trials of the futuristic bandages could be carried out through the Arch wellness and innovation project in south west Wales, where up to one million volunteers would be able to help.
By Benedict|3Ders.org
Be the first to comment