(361) INFECTION-RESPONSIVE THERANOSTIC SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING & MONITORING SURGICAL & WOUND SITE INFECTIONS

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) pose a significant healthcare challenge, further exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds. In the UK, SSIs affect 3–4% of surgical patients, contributing to a 5% mortality rate, while in the US, chronic wounds impact over 6 million individuals, with associated healthcare costs exceeding $25 billion annually. Conventional wound dressings often fall short of promoting healing and preventing infection, highlighting the need for advanced therapeutic strategies.