Plasters embedded with light-emitting diodes could be used to help treat skin cancer (Image: Polymertronics Ltd)

THE humble sticking plaster is getting a high-tech upgrade. As well as simply patching up small cuts and grazes, plasters embedded with light-emitting diodes could be used to treat skin cancer in combination with light-sensitive drugs.

Polymertronics, based in Banbury, UK, is developing the plasters, which are impregnated with a ser ies of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The light plasters are designed for use in photodynamic therapy, in which light-sensitive drugs are applied to the skin as a cream. When you shine red light …