Biobased “bandage” offers new approach to prickly cactus conservation problem
In Arizona, a high school senior has developed a biobased “bandage” that can be applied to the state’s iconic saguaro cacti to detect necrosis before irreversible damage occurs. Jose Covarrubias, a student at Harvest Preparatory Academy, developed the bandage, which he calls KáktosPatch. The patch is made primarily from sodium alginate, glycerin, beeswax and gum Arabic, with anthocyanin serving as a color-changing indicator of chemical changes associated with cactus rot. Microencapsulated allicin, a garlic-derived antimicrobial, helps suppress bacterial growth. A smartphone app analyzes the patch’s color to estimate the severity of the rot.
KáktosPatch could have applications in both cactus conservation and commercial nursery settings, where early detection could help prevent the loss of plants. Covarrubias’ invention has earned accolades on the science-fair circuit and secured him a place at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
