Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treated Carbon Fibre Weave: A Flexible Approach to Wound Monitoring

Atmospheric pressure plasma processing has been investigated as a rapid means of activating carbon fibre thread for use in the manufacture of smart bandages. Ferrocyanide and ruthenium hexamine were used as redox probes to assess the influence of plasma exposure time on the electroanalytical performance of material to be incorporated within prototype wound dressings. Ion exchange of the ruthenium at the carbon interface was observed and was attributed to the plasma induced creation of surface carboxyl groups. These had the effect of improving electron transfer kinetics and surface wetting. The applicability of the modified material for wound monitoring was critically assessed through examining the direct response in whole blood.