Project R-16266

Enhancing Wound Monitoring with Printed Sensors for Exudate Volume Measurement and Cytokine Detection in Venous Leg Ulcers (Research)

Wound healing is a complex medical process influenced by multiple factors and potential complications. Optimal values for key wound healing parameters vary depending on the patient, the type of wound, and the current phase of healing. Since wound healing occurs in phases, these parameters must be carefully regulated throughout the process. Current wound assessment models, such as the TIME model, lack accuracy and objectivity. Integrating sensors inside wound dressings can resolve these issues by providing continuous information about crucial wound parameters. This research will be focused on moisture. Moisture, or wound exudate, is a crucial parameter for the patient's well-being, as it not only eases their pain but also plays a vital role in the overall healing process, acting as a means of transport for immune cells. Exudate measurement can provide valuable insights into the healing process. Exudate can be measured in terms of volume as well as composition. Wound exudate contains pathogens, immune cells, and other components of our immune system, such as cytokines. Cytokines stimulate inflammation and help guide immune cells to infection sites. In addition to developing a volume sensor, the possibility of developing a cytokine detector will also be examined to achieve the main goal of this doctorate: to create a smart dressing that measures exudate in order to provide medical experts with accurate, objective, and continuous data to better evaluate wound healing.

01 November 2025 - 31 October 2029