A team of engineers from the University of Glasgow and Southampton has secured a prestigious IET Excellence and Innovation Award for their groundbreaking wireless therapeutics device.
The innovative technology, which targets non-healing wounds and bladder cancer, represents a significant leap forward in medical treatment. The award-winning device utilises a wireless smart bandage that delivers an antibiotics-free solution to non-healing wounds.
Dr Mahmoud Wagih, who led the research at the James Watt School of Engineering, explained the technology’s potential:
“Wireless power delivery could enable new wearable and implantable therapeutics, from sterilising non-healing wounds to drug delivery for cancer treatment. I am really pleased to see our work recognised by this prestigious award.”
The smart bandage employs ultraviolet type-C (UV-C) LEDs to prevent bacterial growth in wounds. Laboratory tests demonstrated the bandage’s effectiveness, showing it could slow and stop bacterial growth on surfaces within six hours.
This suggests promising outcomes for patients struggling with persistent wounds. Building on this success, the research team developed an implantable prototype for bladder cancer treatment. This version uses visible light to release single-oxygen molecules for targeted drug delivery, effectively killing bladder cancer tumor cells.
Professor David Flynn of the James Watt School of Engineering, focusing on implantable photodynamic therapy, shared his optimism about the project. He said:
“We aim to create a ground-breaking treatment in response to the unmet clinical need of bladder cancer through a world-first in photodynamic therapy from an implantable wireless medical microsystem; the early results are very promising.”
This innovative approach to wound healing and cancer treatment showcases the University of Glasgow’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical technology. The wireless, battery-free nature of these devices opens up new possibilities for wearable and implantable therapeutics, potentially revolutionising patient care in the near future.
