Carbon loaded polyethylene films were selected as the base substrate for a mechanically flexible and conductive sensing material for use in wound monitoring technologies. The films were processed using laser ablation of the surface to increase the effective surface area of the electrode and then subject to an oxidative electrochemical etch to improve the electron transfer kinetics. The surface morphology of the resulting films was analyzed and the electrode performance in relation to monitoring uric acid, a key wound biomarker, was optimized. A prototype smart bandage which was interfaced with a miniaturized potentiostat capable of monitoring the wound condition was developed and the response to urate harnessed to measure both the wound pH and wound severity. The viability of using urate for use in complex fluids was assessed using whole blood and other potential interferences. The mechanical flexibility of the polyethylene is ideal for incorporation within existing dressing materials and could be produced in bulk at relatively low cost, a pre-requisite given the frequency with which dressings need to be replaced.
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