After the age of washable and sticking plaster, UK based Polymertronics are developing a glowing band aid (plaster) for the new age of medical genius. In works to develop as a treatment for skin cancer, the glowing plaster infused with a series of organic light-emitting diodes will be used in photodynamic therapy to impart light-sensitive drugs into the affected area of the skin.
Unlike the routine photodynamic therapy wherein lamps and lasers are required to emit red light to treat the affected area, the flexible plaster being only a small strip can be placed on the skin easily. A voltage is applied to the embedded OLEDs which prompt a glowing red light on the cancerous area where the plaster then administers the drug, thus making the entire treatment process faster, easier and cheaper.
The makers have placed 4 millimeters square clusters of battery-powered red OLEDs onto the plaster strips to match with the shape of a patient’s tumor. Light-emitting plasters have passed the lab tests and have been a great assistance in destroying a range of cancer cells but are yet to undergo human trials. Once done the company visions to make the OLED plaster commercial product within two years.
Via: NewScientist
