The Hartmann Group and the Eurecat technology centre have devised a new smart dressing using bio-inks which enable colorimetric detection of bacterial infections.
The project is called K-BacTrack and has been funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) as part of its R&D Projects work strand. “The idea is to enhance the quality of life of patients who have injuries through continuous monitoring,” says Fernando González, Development Director at Paul Hartmann S.A.
González points out that this constant monitoring of the injury “will make it possible to minimise detection and therapy times” which in turn will help “to cut the costs of the clinical services” involved in treatment.
The project’s main technological challenge has been to get a biocompatible sensor system in a solid medium and reactive to proteins by colorimetric indication which is stable over time and in the conditions of use on the skin.
