Pukyong National University

A sensor that measures the condition of wounds has been improved with a healing function

- advanced pH sensor development through joint research between PKNU & KITECH

△ An image of the production of a pH sensor film for wound care with multiple functions of antibacterial and wound healing.

A joint research team of Pukyong National University (President Jang Young-Soo) and Korea institute of industrial technology (KITECH, president Lee Nak-Kyu) developed a high-tech pH sensor with multiple functions for antibacterial and wound healing.

This advanced pH sensor developed by the joint research team combines real-time monitoring of wound conditions as well as antibacterial and wound healing functions.

As the healing of skin wounds slows down due to infection, it can progress to chronic wounds. Since the polyamide material, which has been mainly used for this pH sensor, slows down wound healing, research on the development of new materials has been conducted.

The research team produced a positively charged and amphiphilic pH sensor film by introducing a positively charged functional group to the surface of polyamide film through basic amino acid conjugation to the surface of polyamide material, which has been frequently used as a sensor material in the past. Because this film has both bacterial sterilization and hydrophile properties, it showed the effect of wound healing in the early stages.

Lee Dong-Wook from the research team explained, “It is significant that we developed a wearable device with multifunctionality by improving the surface of a previously used polymer material. I expect that this pH sensor film will help patients suffering from chronic wounds by helping them manage wounds efficiently.”

Researcher Lee Dong-Wook from Pukyong National University (major or industrial chemistry, KITECH), researcher Kim Se-Chang (biomedical engineering), Dr. Choi Dong-Yoon from KITECH, prof. Jung Won-Kyo (biomedical engineering /marine-integrated biomedical technology center) and professor Moon Myung-Jun from Pukyong National University (industrial chemistry) participated in the joint research team.

A paper containing the research results, ‘Basic amino acid-mediated cationic amphiphilic surfaces for antimicrobial pH monitoring sensor with wound healing effects’, was recently published in <Biomaterials research> (IF 15.863), an international journal in biomedical engineering. <Pukyong Today>

△ Photos of members of the joint research team (from left, researcher Lee Dong-Wook, researcher Kim Se-Chang, Dr. Choi Dong-Yoon, professor Jung Won-Kyo, and Professor Moon Myung-Jun)

△ Photos of members of the joint research team (from left, researcher Lee Dong-Wook, researcher Kim Se-Chang, Dr. Choi Dong-Yoon, professor Jung Won-Kyo, and Professor Moon Myung-Jun)