Developing a pH Responsive Mesh as a Smart Skin Wafer in Ostomy Appliances

Marked developments in the design of ostomy appliances in recent years have revolutionized stoma care and management but the prevalence of peristomal skin complications continues to be problematic with incidence rates ranging from 10-70%. Despite requisite pre and post-operative education for new patients, complications continue to arise - even under the close supervision of specialist nurses. Prolonged exposure of the skin to high pH stoma effluent is widely accepted as a key contributor to the onset of moisture-associated skin disease. An investigated into a new material which could serve as the basis of a “smart skin wafer”, employing electrochemical detection and manipulation of local pH is described.