The role of nanotechnology based wearable electronic textiles in biomedical and healthcare applications

Smart textiles with advanced functionalities are the new research area that attracts researchers to contribute to the wellness of human beings and provide comfort in a daily lifestyle. Smart textiles have the potential to perform multiple tasks and have significant applications in healthcare sectors including real-time monitoring of the physiological needs and health status of the wearer through sensors and integration of nanotechnology for better performance. The integration of sensors and nanomaterials in the fabrics has led the textile industries to deal with technological and physiological challenges such as the basic requirement of a textile to maintain the actual comfort, washability, perspiration, reusability and longevity. The objective of this review is to provide descriptive information to an expanding and challenging domain of smart textiles with a focus on their applications to human health and welfare. The study also highlights the role of nanomaterials in the development of antimicrobial smart textiles and discusses the challenges faced by smart textiles for their acceptance in society.

Automated summary

Smart textiles with advanced functionalities are a new research area attracting researchers for the well-being of human beings. Integration of sensors and nanomaterials in fabrics present challenges in maintaining comfort, washability, breathability, reusability, and longevity.