Abstract: A membrane coated with or incorporating a number of different types of microcapsules is disclosed. A first and second type of microcapsule each contain one component of a chemical reaction that produces a chemical agent that is capable of dissolving the shells of all microcapsules, while a third type of microcapsule has a dye or other indicator encapsulated by a chemically dissolvable shell. A structural violation of the membrane also violates the capsules, causing not only the release of an indicator or pharmacologically active substance from the capsules but also the initiation of chemical chain reaction that broadens the scope of the reaction that broadens the scope of the indication beyond the site of the initial breach in the membrane.