An improved pH mapping bandage with thread-based sensors for chronic wound monitoring

Threads have recently been demonstrated as thin and flexible substrates for diagnostics and wearable devices. These substrates provide flexible 3D integration with cloth using standard textile methods. Our group has recently demonstrated a pH mapping smart-bandage using thread-based polyaniline pH sensors for chronic wound monitoring. Here, we utilize highsurface area sensing regions to present an improved pH mapping bandage with more intimate wound contact and a faster response time compared to our previous work. Additionally, we condense our readout electronics into a 3D printed 25mm button form factor capable of easy integration with our thread-based sensors. We demonstrate our modified bandage's improved performance through sensitivity and response time measurements. Furthermore, we present pH measurements in spiked biological serum demonstrating that our bandage remains sensitive in complex biological environments.