Fast Healing with Smart Bandages: Biosensors and Drug Release.
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have developed a "smart" bandage that can monitor healing, provide antibiotics to the injury site, and stimulate tissue growth with electrical signals. The bandage can heal wounds more quickly and affordably, especially for those with chronic illnesses that slow down the healing process, such as diabetes. The bandage can monitor biomarkers at the injury site and treat accordingly. The cost of the electronic patch would be less than $100, but it is not expected to hit the market for another five or 10 years.