Integrated urate sensors for detecting wound infection

The applicability of employing a carbon fibre mesh as the sensing element within a "smart bandage" for assessing urate transformations within wound exudates is evaluated and a novel strategy for the detection of bacterial contamination presented. Prototype sensor assemblies have been designed and their response characteristics towards the periodic monitoring of uric acid within whole blood, serum, blister fluid and microbial culture has been evaluated. The rapid and selective metabolism of urate by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the bacteria responsible for most adventitious wound infections, has been investigated. A preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of utilizing the microbial response to endogenous wound urate as means of detecting the onset of infection is presented.