Caltech professor Wei Gao and his research team are revolutionizing wound care by creating a next-generation smart bandage—a "lab on skin"—designed to not only monitor chronic wounds but also accelerate healing. Their innovative bandage, named iCares, integrates cutting-edge technology to provide real-time data on wound status, deliver treatment, and improve recovery rates for injuries that are slow to heal, such as those caused by diabetes or poor blood circulation.

In 2023, Gao's team demonstrated the potential of their earlier smart bandage by successfully collecting data from chronic wounds in animal models and enhancing the healing process with precise application of medication or tissue-stimulating electrical fields. Building on that progress, they have now improved their device, which has been tested on 20 human patients with chronic wounds.

Key features of iCares include three microfluidic components—specialized modules for channeling and controlling liquid flow—which help remove excess moisture from the wound while ensuring only the freshest fluid samples are analyzed. This provides accurate monitoring of crucial biomarkers such as nitric oxide, which indicates inflammation, and hydrogen peroxide, a sign of infection. Remarkably, iCares can detect these biomarkers one to three days before symptoms appear, potentially allowing for earlier interventions.

Further enhancing its capabilities, the team incorporated a machine-learning algorithm into iCares. This AI component can classify wounds and predict healing times with a high degree of accuracy, rivaling expert clinicians.

The smart bandage itself is composed of a biocompatible, flexible polymer that can be 3D printed at low cost. It includes a disposable biomarker sensor array for hygiene and a reusable printed circuit board for processing data and transmitting it wirelessly to user interfaces like smartphones. The device's integrated systems collect fluid from the wound, analyze it for biomarkers, and safely discharge it, ensuring optimal performance.

Published in *Science Translational Medicine*, this groundbreaking work highlights the promise of iCares to transform how chronic wounds are managed. Gao and his colleagues envision their technology improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. The team is continuing its efforts to make iCares widely accessible, representing a significant step forward in personalized medical care.