Flexible and transparent pH monitoring system with NFC communication for wound monitoring applications

This paper reports on a non-invasive, flexible, and wireless pH sensing system for monitoring wound healing progress and identifying the possibility of infection at an early stage. The device consists of a disposable, flexible pH sensor interfaced with a custom-designed, flexible, battery-less and reusable wireless (13.5 MHz, near field communication) data transmitting platform. The sensing electrodes are fabricated by low-cost direct laser scribing of ITO films, resulting in optically transparent sensors which allows for visual inspection of the wound. The sensor accurately measures a physiologically relevant range of pH 4-10 with an average sensitivity of -55 mV/pH.