Project R-15694

WISE WOUNDS: Wearable Innovations for Smart, Efficient Wound Dressings (Research)

Complex wounds are associated with increased hospitalization rates, impaired quality of patients' lives and have a profound financial impact on the healthcare system. Wound healing is a complicated process in which pH, wound temperature and moisture change over time. The current conventional wound dressings can neither monitor this process, nor react directly to changing wound parameters. As a consequence, current wound treatments are not effective. This project aims to develop and validate cost-effective smart wound dressings that can non-invasively monitor wound parameters and continuously report on the physical environment of the wound site. The proposed innovative wound dressings are composed of highly stretchable flexible sensors with a soft interface to the skin. The biocompatibility and functionality to measure wound parameters is validated using mouse wound models and ex vivo human skin biopts. AI integration is used on the measured parameters to predict wound healing and also failure of wound healing. In order to gain physical insight and qualitative understanding in how parameters evolve over time, a mathematical model will be developed which relates the behaviour of cells and tissues in a wound the output parameters like moisture and temperature. Healthcare specialists will provide input on wound management as well as clinical needs to guarantee the clinical valorization after project completion. In conclusion, this project could actively help better wound management, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce the complications associated with complex wounds, which has the potential to facilitate remote care and alleviate the burden on healthcare.

01 May 2025 - 30 April 2030