To Demonstrate a Technology for Early Detection and Monitoring of Wound Infections.

ParaNano Wound Care (“ParaNano”) has developed the Nanosheet™ Biosensor, as a wearable bioactive membrane of radially cross-aligned nanofibers capable of continuously monitoring a wound to detect the presence of pathogens for 72 hours and beyond. This SBIR project proposes expanding qualitative detection capabilities of the current prototype Nanosheet™ Biosensor beyond bacterial strains presently detected (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) to include all ESKAPEE bacteria and relevant fungi, and exploring feasibility of differentiating between Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, and fungi. Visible color change response of the Nanosheet™ Biosensor indicates bacterial concentration beyond 10^5 CFU/cm^2. The wearable biosensor provides “fire and forget” continuous wound monitoring to identify infection from point of injury and along the continuum of care. Of those warfighters evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center from the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters, 30% had at least one infection. In both military and civilian populations under 36 years of age, sepsis is the greatest danger after hemorrhage. Sepsis caused by infection in trauma wounds results in mortality in the range of 19.5–23 %. The annual public health cost in the U.S exceeds $406 Billion. Early detection of pathogens will prompt prophylactic action and reduce risk of sepsis.