A team of researchers at the University of Sheffield has developed a bandage that glows when it comes in contact  with bacteria. The scientists have been working on developing a visual method to quickly identify the presence of infectious bacteria.

The technique uses a long chain molecule (polymer) attached with a fluorescent dye. When the polymer comes into contact with harmful organisms, it changes its shape activating the fluorescent dye. The activated form of dye gives pinkish color under ultraviolet light. Since the swab samples take lots of time to identify the organism and determine levels of bacterial infections, this research could be of vital importance. It facilitates the doctors to treat chronic diseases like ulcer easily. The soldiers with infected injuries could also be identified quickly for prompt medication.

The technique has only been tested on artificial skin tissues and requires further research, however, it does have significant potential. The project was funded by Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, an agency of Ministry of Defense, UK and Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSCR).

Professor Sheila MacNeil, one of the researchers in the team, presented a talk entitled “Shining a light on bacteria - developing a novel sensor for bacteria’ where she explained how the team led by Dr. Steve Rimmer has been developing a molecule that gives fluorescent signal on binding with bacteria. 

She stated that the team is aiming  to develop a gel that could be placed on the wound to detect the infection and indicate the amount of bacteria present with the help of a hand held UV lamp. The doctors may also be able to determine what group the bacteria present in infection belong to, guiding them to use appropriate antibiotics.

As it is still in developmental phase, the technique cannot be used commercially presently. Professor MacNeil said it is going to take several years; once developed, the technique will be tested for safety and efficacy on people with actual wounds. Also, a question before researchers is that what sort of wounds this dressing would be applied to.

Project leader Dr. Steve Rimmer said that initially the technique would only be applied to detect bacteria, and not the non-bacterial organisms such as protozoa, fungi and viruses. It highlights a number of bacterial species including Legionella, Salmonella, E. coli, C. difficele and the organisms that cause meningitis and peritonitis.   

The technique faces another question of antibiotic resistance. In its current stage, the research describes use of only vancomycin, which is a potent antibiotic used only for severe bacterial infections that can’t be treated with other antibiotics. If it would be widely used in wound dressing, there is a high chance of bacteria developing resistance against this valuable antibiotic. The whole medicine world is awaiting further developments in this amazing res