Smart Bandage with Energy Harvesting for Wound Healing

Abstract

The integrated energy harvesting technologies within a smart bandage mark a transformative leap in the management of chronic wounds. Often, chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers and pressure sores require ongoing treatment and repeated, often painful, manual dressing changes which increases the likelihood of infection. This dissertation concentrates on the design and development of a self-sustaining smart bandage that utilizes advanced sensor technologies, energy harvesting systems, and wireless communication to improve healing while optimizing patient comfort. The smart bandage features sensors that track critical parameters like temperature and moisture content, pH, and bacterial levels to transmit crucial data as wound complications progress, enabling proactive healthcare intervention. This project aims to particularly enhance the integration of mechanical (piezoelectric), thermal (thermoelectric), and electromagnetic RF energy methods for smart devices. With these energy harvesting methods, the device no longer has to rely on battery-powered/fuel systems which in turn streamlines usability. The bandage self-regulates the care environment around the wound by real-time sensor data and automatically injects medications such as antibiotics or growth factors precisely to the wound site with its drug delivery system. In addition, the bandage has wireless communication features, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor the patient’s progress remotely and minimizing the need for in-person consultations. This innovation improves the quality of care provided to patients and at the same time, reduces the strain on the healthcare system in a sustainable, efcient, and patient-centered manner. The system has been tested extensively and validated to be feasible, demonstrating that it can operate effectively in actual healthcare environments. Advanced technologies integrated into everyday objects, such as clothing and ornaments, that can be used for monitoring health, have become quite popular. This research is aimed to solving the problem of prolonged wound care by making it easier, more affordable, and more convenient. Enhancements in renewable energy sources, precision of the sensors, and broadening the system’s scope are the immediate goals to improve the device’s utility for chronic wound care and other healthcare branches.