A reusable, under-$5 wearable from RMIT tracks inflammation, pH and temperature to monitor wounds in real time.
A team of researchers from RMIT University in Australia has developed a wearable wound-monitoring device that could transform how clinicians track healing — and reduce infection risks in the process.Unlike traditional methods that require frequent dressing changes and physical contact, this Bluetooth-enabled invention offers continuous remote monitoring of key wound healing indicators.
The device integrates advanced sensors that measure temperature, pH, and inflammation levels, crucial biomarkers that can indicate infection or track the wound’s healing stages.By minimizing direct contact, the innovation could significantly lower the chances of introducing bacteria into open wounds, a common complication in chronic care settings.The wearable is still in its proof-of-concept stage, but early lab tests are promising. According to lead inventor Dr Peter Francis Mathew Elango from RMIT’s School of Engineering, the team demonstrated that the device conforms well to curved surfaces like the human arm, a critical consideration for usability.“This was a test to show that this type of alternative monitoring technology is possible, and we are now ready to work with industry partners to develop it for clinical trials,” Elango said.Reusable, sustainable, and ready to scaleWhat makes this innovation stand out is its reusability — unlike most emerging smart bandages and biosensors that are disposable and waste-generating. This RMIT device uses biocompatible materials that are safe for the body and built to last, making it both more sustainable and economically viable over time.Beyond its environmental advantage, the wearable fits seamlessly into existing medical manufacturing workflows, potentially bringing production costs down to under $5 per unit when scaled. That low price point could make it an accessible option for health systems in both developed and developing regions.A growing med-tech track recordThe technology builds on an RMIT-patented high-resistivity silicon-based sensor platform capable of multi-biomarker detection. These flexible sensors can be placed directly on or adjacent to wounds, even under standard dressings, without disrupting patient care routines or comfort.“The sensor technology is our platform IP that has been proven to be efficient at multiple biomarker detection related to different ailments,” said Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, who leads the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT.Bhaskaran’s group has developed several patient-centered med-tech solutions, including bedding sensors to monitor sleep and comfort in aged care facilities. Elango, meanwhile, is also leading a separate project on a wearable heart monitor, which is progressing toward commercialization through a partnership with Perth-based Lubdub Technologies.Chronic wounds continue to pose a serious global health challenge, with millions of people affected. In Australia alone, about 500,000 patients suffer from chronic wounds each year, costing the healthcare system an estimated $3 billion. By allowing remote, continuous tracking without disturbing the wound site, this device could help improve outcomes and reduce costs — one sensor at a time.The findings of the study has been published in the journal Advanced NanoBiomed Research.
Chronic Wound Healing Infection Detection Device Inflammation Tracker Low-Cost Health Tech Medical Wearables Ph Sensor RMIT Innovation Smart Bandage Wearable Wound Monitor
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