Electrochemical dressing can detect bacterial contamination

Ed Golush, assistant professor of chemical engineering at Northeastern University, USA, is responsible for a study that explains how certain bacteria act and why some are more resistant to antibiotics than others. Research made him look for more solutions to the problems caused by these intruders.

With the help of academic Thaddeus Webster, he discovered from his early studies a way to identify the presence of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to information from the Institute of Chemistry of the University of São Paulo, this bacterium is found mainly in soil and water, and may also be present in plants and animals. Its action occurs through serious infections that can cause death if left untreated.

Sensors

The identification occurs through a type of bandage, able to locate the specific bacteria through electrochemical sensors, created with the same technology present in computer chips. The sensor can detect the presence of bacteria even before the first symptoms.

Studies are still in their early stages, but the discovery is already exciting scientists, especially with the possibility of finding ways to catch other types of microscopic invaders.