Butyl grafted polyethylene films doped with carbon black: A foundation for the development of smart bandages

Butyl grafted polyethylene film loaded with carbon was investigated as a mechanically flexible conductive substrate for electrochemical sensing applications. The electroanalytical properties of the film before and after laser modification and electrochemical anodisation were assessed and its potential application for use in monitoring wound healing critically evaluated using uric acid as a biomarker. The design and development of a prototype smart bandage is detailed and the response to urate harnessed to measure the wound pH. The viability of using the latter for use in complex fluids was assessed using whole blood. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.