# Connected Monitoring Bandages This Smart Wound Bandage Prototype Monitors for Infection By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-03-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wound-bandage References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/medical/smart-bandage-monitor-medicate-chronic-wounds/) & [caltech.edu](https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/smart-bandages-monitor-wounds-and-provide-targeted-treatment)  This smart wound bandage is being developed by a team of researchers lead by Associate Professor Wei Gao at the [California Institute of Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/axo-cast) ([Caltech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Quantum-Computing-Architecture)) as a way to manage chronic wounds. The biocompatible polymer substrate is flexible and stretchy, and could utilize a series of electrodes to monitor wounds on a continuous basis. This would work with a battery, temperature sensor and Bluetooth chip to relay information to the person's smartphone or other connected device. The bandage could be scaled up to suit larger areas and could even help with keeping bad bacteria at bay. Gao commented on the prototype smart wound bandage saying, "We have showed this proof of concept in small animal models, but down the road, we would like to increase the stability of the device but also to test it on larger chronic wounds because the wound parameters and microenvironment may vary from site to site Image Credit: Lance Hayashida / Caltech ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smart Wound Bandages:** The development of smart wound bandages with continuous monitoring capabilities using electrodes and connected devices could disrupt the wound care industry - **Biocompatible Polymers:** The use of flexible and stretchy biocompatible polymers in wound care technology could lead to innovative solutions and new products with improved performance - **Internet of Things (iot) in Healthcare:** The integration of IoT in healthcare through connected wound care devices and wearables represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the healthcare industry ### Who This Affects Most - **Wound Care:** The development of smart wound bandages with continuous monitoring capabilities could revolutionize the wound care industry - **Medical Devices:** The use of biocompatible polymers and IoT in healthcare presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the medical devices industry - **Telemedicine:** Connected wound care devices and wearables with IoT capabilities could lead to new opportunities and disruptive innovations in the telemedicine industry ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Enabled Smart Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-smart-bandages.md) - [Infection-Detecting Wound Coverings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartheal-sensor.md) - [Color-Changing Wound Dressings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorchanging-wound-dressings.md) - [AI-Paired Wound Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medicosbiotech.md) - [Waterproof Color-Changing Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drysee-bandages.md) - [Plant Disease-Monitoring Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-patch.md) - [Advanced Heart-Tracking Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultrasound-patch.md) - [Battery-Free Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci.md) - [Wearable Monitoring Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tband.md)