PLANT

PWRD.

Septo works so

you don’t have to.

Learn more

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visits and hospitalizations come from skin and soft tissue infections annually in just the US.

(American Family Physician)

Sepsis can develop as a complication of severe or untreated skin and soft tissue infections. That’s over 

350,000

sepsis related deaths in the US alone.

(CDC)

1 in 3

hospitalized patients will die after contracting sepsis.

(NIH)

Infections are common, serious, and often unpredictable. When a skin or soft tissue infection spreads beyond its original site, it can trigger sepsis, a life-threatening immune response. Consequences like these are devastating, as sepsis kills one in three hospitalized patients who develop it.

FAQs

That’s why infections are the

#1 reason

for surgical readmission.

Infections are expensive

Infections cost Medicare up to $96.8 billion every year, with expenses rising to an average of $3,927 per wound when the infection reaches a later stage. These costs highlight the financial strain advanced infections place on the healthcare system—and the urgent need for earlier detection and prevention solutions.

But what if we could change that?

This is where Septo comes in.

This is Septo.

Septo is a plant-powered, color-changing bandage that reacts to biochemical markers like pH shifts and bacterial growth to provide a clear visual alert for infection risk through an ergonomic, affordable design.

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and is safe for fragile or sensitive skin. The indicator fabric beneath reacts to subtle chemical changes, while the nonadherent absorption layer manages moisture without sticking to tissue. Together, these layers create a breathable, comfortable barrier that monitors and protects without irritation.

Septo is built from carefully engineered layers that protect the wound while ensuring comfort and visibility. The O₂-breathable protective layer keeps out contaminants while allowing airflow to promote healing. Beneath it, a special pressure-sensitive adhesive provides a secure yet gentle seal. It doesn’t pull on hair, can be easily repositioned,

Layer by layer

Septo’s color-changing bandage uses natural chemistry to make infection visible before it spreads. Each layer has a specific job: the O₂-breathable protective film keeps the wound clean, the pressure-sensitive acrylic ensures a gentle seal, and the nonadherent absorption layer wicks away excess fluid without sticking to skin.

Sandwiched between them is the indicator fabric, infused with anthocyanins, plant-based pigments found in sources like red cabbage and beets. These pigments shift color as pH levels rise, signaling infection. When a wound becomes infected, bacteria and damaged tissue start to change the chemistry around it.

How it works

As bacteria grow, they break down proteins and other materials in the wound, releasing alkaline byproducts such as ammonia, amines, and urea. These compounds raise the pH, making the area less acidic. At the same time, inflammation increases blood flow and drainage, bringing in fluids that can further dilute natural acids on the skin’s surface. At a pH of 7.5, Septo transitions from bright magenta to deep purple, providing a clear, visual cue of inflammation or bacterial growth. No sensors, batteries, or guesswork needed.

  • Septo is the simple, plant-powered solution to noninvasive infection tracking and prevention. Using a large, x-shaped design, Septo wraps around joints and contours of the body where wounds and bedsores commonly occur. The bandage changes color from magenta to purple as infection is identified.

  • Septo uses pigments from beets to create a color changing component in the bandage. The pigment reacts to a change in pH of wound drainage, which the bandage uses to track and identify infection. Learn more about how Septo works on the features tab.

  • There are more than 2.5 million patients with bedsores in nursing facilities. Patients with bedsores and other large wounds are more than 6x likely to present with sepsis and other potentially fatal complications. Septo tracks infections early, allowing these patients to get treatment faster and allowing peace of mind.

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