Electronic Fibers/Textiles for Health-Monitoring: Fabrication and Application

The requirements for comfort, multifunctionality, and aesthetic value of wearable electronics have increased owing to the development of smart wearables. Traditional wearable electronics lack flexibility, softness, and breathability; therefore, they are unsuitable for long-term use. Recently, electronic fibers/textiles, which have a similar morphology to traditional fibers/textiles and have been imparted electronic functions, have attracted increasing interest. In this review, the latest advances in the fabrication and applications of electronic fibers/textiles, especially for health-monitoring devices are summarized. First, the fabrication methods of electronic fibers/textiles are systematically introduced. The advantages and disadvantages of each fabrication method are discussed. Subsequently, the applications of electronic fibers/textiles in health-monitoring devices for sensing human motion, electrochemical and electrical signals, humidity, and temperature, are reviewed. As an integrated part of health monitoring, display textiles with information feedback functions are also reviewed. Furthermore, the progress in integrated multifunctional textiles is briefly discussed. Lastly, the challenges and prospects of electronic fibers/textiles are presented. Owing to the joint efforts of researchers in the materials, textile, and electronics industries, electronic fibers/textiles have become increasingly important in health management, medical care, and human-machine interfaces, and have changed the daily lives.

Automated summary

The development of smart wearables has increased the requirements for comfort, multifunctionality, and aesthetic value of wearable electronics. Traditional wearable electronics lack flexibility, softness, and breathability, making them unsuitable for long-term use. Recently, electronic fibers/textiles with similar morphology to traditional fibers/textiles and electronic functions have attracted attention. This review summarizes the latest advances in the fabrication and applications of electronic fibers/textiles for health-monitoring devices. It covers the fabrication methods, applications in health monitoring, display textiles, and integrated multifunctional textiles, and discusses the challenges and prospects of electronic fibers/textiles in health management, medical care, and human-machine interfaces.