Scientist (17) invents revolutionary medical sutures that change color when a wound becomes infected

Dasia Taylor, a 17-year-old scientist and entrepreneur from Iowa, has invented revolutionary medical sutures that change color when a wound becomes infected. Using natural pH-sensitive dyes from beet juice, these biomedical sutures shift from bright red to dark purple, providing an early infection detection system without the need for expensive technology.

Taylor began her medical innovation journey in 2019 after her chemistry teacher encouraged her to participate in science fairs. She quickly gained recognition, winning regional awards and securing a finalist spot in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the top STEM competitions for high school students.

Her groundbreaking work aims to create an affordable healthcare solution, especially for low-income countries where surgical site infections are more common and smartphone-based smart sutures may not be practical.

After extensive biotechnology research, Taylor identified a cotton-polyester blend as the ideal material for her color-changing stitches. These FDA-compliant sutures change color in minutes, providing real-time wound monitoring and potentially reducing post-surgical complications.

While experts emphasize the need for further clinical trials, Taylor is already taking steps to patent her invention, marking a significant milestone in medical technology advancements. She plans to pursue a career in law and policy, focusing on healthcare equity and biomedical research funding.

Her story showcases the power of young innovators, women in STEM, and the impact of scientific breakthroughs in medicine. Such an incredible innovation! Using natural dyes for infection detection is a brilliant and practical solution, especially for low-resource settings. Excited to see how this develops in the future!