17-Year-Old Inventor Develops Color-Changing Sutures That Detect Infection in the Body

Dasia Taylor, a 17-year-old recent high school graduate from Iowa City West High School, has made headlines with her groundbreaking invention of color-changing sutures that can detect infections in the body.

Taylor’s innovation began as a project in October 2019, when she was challenged by her high school’s science research program to come up with a unique and impactful solution to a medical problem. Taylor, who has a passion for fashion design, was inspired by the idea of creating an invention that combined both medicine and design.

After conducting research, Taylor discovered that one of the biggest challenges in wound healing is detecting infections early enough to prevent serious complications. With this in mind, she came up with the idea to create sutures that change color in the presence of infection.

Taylor’s sutures are made with a special dye that responds to changes in pH levels, which can indicate the presence of bacterial infections. The sutures change color from bright red to dark purple when an infection is detected, providing a clear visual cue for medical professionals to take action.

In addition to being a potential lifesaver for patients, Taylor’s invention has significant implications for healthcare costs. Early detection of infections can prevent more serious complications that require costly medical interventions.

Taylor’s innovative work has gained widespread recognition, including a nomination for the 2021 Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award. She hopes to continue her work in medical innovation and inspire other young women to pursue their passions in STEM fields.