Virtual Booth

ChromaCare is a smart color-changing wound bandage prototype developed to support early infection awareness, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems such as leukopenia patients. Proper wound monitoring is important in preventing complications andreducing infection risks. However, conventional bandages mainly function as physical protection and provide limited information regarding the condition of the wound underneath the dressing. As a result, early signs of infection may go unnoticed until the condition becomes more severe. Unlike conventional wound dressings, ChromaCare provides visual feedback through color changes based on wound pH conditions, allowing easier and safer wound monitoring without the need for frequent bandage removal. The prototype utilizes an agar-based hydrogel incorporated with universal indicator and aloe vera. Agar was selected due to its improved durability and better structural stability compared to previous gelatin-based prototypes. The universal indicator functions as a pH-sensitive detector that responds to wound pH changes caused by bacterial activity. Healthy woundsgenerally exhibit a pH range around pH 5–6, while infected wounds may shift towards pH 7–9,resulting in visible color variation on the bandage surface. Aloe vera was incorporated for its natural antimicrobial properties, which may help inhibit microbial growth and support a cleaner wound environment. Through this combination, ChromaCare integrates both monitoring and protective functions into a single wound-care system. This project aims to promote safer, smarter,and more accessible wound-monitoring solutions while increasing awareness of healthcare innovation and infection prevention. In addition, ChromaCare demonstrates the potential application of smart materials in future healthcare technology by introducing a simple, low-cost, and user-friendly approach towards wound observation and early infection detection.