Signaling Skin pH with Indicator Dyes

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: January 3, 2011, from the January 2011 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

page 4 of 4

The next step for Mohr and his team is to conduct clinical studies as well as additional fundamental research on the correlation between pH and bacterial growth.

“Dermatologists need to know more about the correlation between pH and bacterial growth because testing for bacteria in a wound requires dipping a pH electrode into the wound. This is [obviously] not pleasant for the patient, so there are not many studies on the pH of wounds,” he noted.

In addition to better understanding the processes that take place in wounds and healing, the team plans to integrate optical sensor modules into dressings to measure the pH value and indicate results on a reader unit. Further, they also are considering the use of indicator dyes to measure parameters other than pH.

Mohr concluded, “We have experience in developing indicators for different materials. We develop the dye based on the application.”