Abstract: This invention introduces a smart bandage integrating temperature-sensitive Poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for real-time wound monitoring and enhanced healing. The PNIPAM hydrogel adapts to wound conditions by responding to environmental changes, while IoT sensors measure parameters like temperature, moisture, and pH, transmitting data wirelessly to healthcare providers through a secure, userfriendly interface. The bandage, developed through polymerization of the hydrogel, sensor embedding, and wireless module integration, undergoes rigorous in vitro and in vivo testing to ensure thermal responsiveness, biocompatibility, and sensor accuracy. Its lightweight and flexible design enhances comfort, usability, and prolonged wearability, making it suitable for diverse clinical settings. This innovation reduces hospital visits, minimizes complications, and enables timely interventions, promoting sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions. By combining advancements in biomaterials, IoT, and wearable technology, the smart bandage represents a transformative step in personalized medicine, improving patient outcomes while addressing accessibility and aligning with global sustainable development goals
Description:The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the
accompanying drawings and the experimental methods. This invention introduces an
advanced smart bandage integrating PNIPAM hydrogel and IoT sensors for real-time
wound monitoring and enhanced healing. The invention addresses limitations in traditional
wound care through an innovative, scalable, and sustainable approach.
Hydrogel Synthesis: The process begins with synthesizing Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
(PNIPAM) hydrogel. The hydrogel is prepared by dissolving the polymer in water, adding
crosslinkers, and initiating polymerization. This temperature-sensitive hydrogel is designed
to adapt to wound conditions by swelling and responding to environmental changes.
Sensor Selection and Integration: Biocompatible sensors capable of measuring temperature,
moisture, and pH are embedded into the hydrogel. The sensors are designed to be flexible
and functional without compromising the hydrogel's properties, ensuring comfort and
efficiency.
Wireless Communication Module: A wireless data transmission system is developed to send
real-time information collected by the sensors to healthcare providers. A user-friendly
interface, such as a mobile app or web dashboard, enables remote monitoring of wound
conditions.
Smart Bandage Assembly: The hydrogel and sensors are integrated into a bandage format,
incorporating a flexible substrate for ease of application. The assembly ensures the bandage
is lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for prolonged wear.
In Vitro Testing: Laboratory testing evaluates the swelling behavior, thermal
responsiveness, and biocompatibility of the hydrogel, as well as the accuracy and durability
of the sensors. The results validate the bandage's performance under simulated wound
conditions.
In Vivo Testing: The smart bandage is tested on animal models to assess its performance in
real-world wound care scenarios. The testing follows ethical guidelines and evaluates
healing rates, sensor reliability, and user comfort.
Design Optimization: Based on testing outcomes, the design is refined to enhance sensor
placement, communication efficiency, and overall usability. Adjustments are made to
improve performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Scalability and Clinical Integration: The invention is designed to integrate seamlessly into
healthcare systems, offering applications in both urban and rural settings. The scalable
design reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, improves patient outcomes, and
supports sustainable medical practices.
Sustainability and Social Relevance: By enabling remote healthcare monitoring, the
invention minimizes complications, reduces healthcare costs, and promotes sustainable
development goals. It aligns with global healthcare objectives by improving access to
advanced wound care technologies , Claims:1. A smart bandage for real-time wound monitoring, comprising:
a) A temperature-sensitive and biocompatible Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)
hydrogel base;
b) Embedded IoT sensors for measuring wound parameters, including temperature,
moisture, and pH;
c) A wireless communication module for transmitting sensor data to remote healthcare
devices;
d) A flexible substrate for comfortable application on wound sites;
e) Wherein the hydrogel and sensors are integrated to provide adaptive responses based on
wound conditions.
2. Method of preparing the PNIPAM hydrogel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogel is
synthesized by dissolving Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in water, adding crosslinkers, and initiating
polymerization to achieve temperature-sensitive and adaptive properties.
3. Smart bandage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT sensors are biocompatible, flexible, and
capable of measuring wound conditions with high accuracy and reliability without interfering with
the hydrogel's properties.
4. Wireless communication module as claimed in claim 1, wherein data is transmitted in real-time
via a secure and user-friendly interface, such as a mobile application or web-based platform,
enabling remote healthcare monitoring.
5. Method of assembling the smart bandage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogel and IoT
sensors are integrated with a flexible substrate to create a lightweight, durable, and user-friendly
medical device suitable for prolonged wear.
6. Method of in vitro testing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogel’s swelling behavior,
thermal responsiveness, and biocompatibility are validated under simulated wound conditions, and
the accuracy of the embedded sensors is assessed.
7. Method of in vivo testing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart bandage is assessed for
wound healing efficacy, sensor performance, and user comfort on animal models, adhering to
ethical research guidelines.
8. Smart bandage as claimed in claims 1-7, wherein the design is optimized for scalability, costeffectiveness, and ease of manufacturing, enabling widespread adoption in both urban and rural
healthcare settings.
9. Remote healthcare monitoring as claimed in claims 1-8, wherein the smart bandage provides
real-time alerts for abnormal wound conditions, enabling timely medical interventions and reducing
complications.
10.Smart bandage as claimed in claims 1-9, wherein it aligns with sustainable healthcare practices
by improving accessibility, reducing hospital visits, and supporting personalized medical solutions
tailored to individual patient needs
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202541002314-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 2 | 202541002314-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 3 | 202541002314-FORM-9 [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 4 | 202541002314-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 5 | 202541002314-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 6 | 202541002314-FORM 1 [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 7 | 202541002314-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 8 | 202541002314-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 9 | 202541002314-DRAWINGS [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 10 | 202541002314-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |
| 11 | 202541002314-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [10-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-10 |