At just 17 years old, Iowa high school student Dasia Taylor posed a deceptively simple but powerful question: How can post-surgical infections be detected early without relying on expensive technology? Her answer was as elegant as it was accessible — sutures dyed with beetroot pigment that change color when an infection develops.

Post-operative infections remain a major global health challenge, particularly in low-resource regions where access to laboratory testing, diagnostic devices, or even smartphones is limited. Taylor recognized that while advanced medical technology can detect infections early, such tools are often unavailable or unaffordable in many parts of the world. This gap inspired her to explore a low-cost, visible alternative that could work anywhere.

The science behind her idea is rooted in basic chemistry. Healthy human skin is naturally slightly acidic, while infected wounds tend to become more alkaline due to bacterial activity. Beetroot contains betanin, a natural pigment that changes color in response to shifts in pH levels. When exposed to higher alkalinity, the pigment visibly darkens.

Through laboratory testing, Taylor demonstrated that her beet-dyed sutures shift from bright red to deep purple at around pH 9, a level commonly associated with infection. Remarkably, the color change often occurred within minutes, providing an immediate visual warning sign. This means patients or healthcare workers could detect a potential infection simply by looking at the wound — no lab tests, electricity, or digital devices required.

Taylor also conducted material testing to improve the reliability of the sutures. She found that a cotton–polyester blend absorbed and retained the beet dye most effectively, producing the clearest and most consistent color change compared to other fabrics. This attention to material science strengthened the practicality of her design and highlighted her rigorous approach to experimentation.

Her work earned widespread recognition. In 2021, Taylor became a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the most competitive science competitions for young researchers in the United States. In 2023, she was named USA Today Woman of the Year for Iowa, honoring not only her scientific achievement but also the potential social impact of her innovation.

Although the sutures are not yet FDA-approved and are still under development, Taylor is actively pursuing a patent and refining the design for future clinical use. Her project demonstrates how accessible, low-tech science can address real-world medical problems, particularly in underserved communities where post-surgical infections contribute significantly to illness and mortality.

On a broader level, this invention underscores an important lesson: innovation does not always require advanced machines or complex software. Sometimes, a simple thread that changes color can empower patients and clinicians to act faster, prevent serious complications, and reduce healthcare costs — without batteries, apps, or hospital equipment. Dasia Taylor’s work stands as a compelling example of how curiosity, creativity, and basic science can help save lives.