The quest for smart clothing that can monitor health has taken a step forward through the development of a “stretchable” system, British engineers have reported.
The Glasgow University smart fabric has wireless technology, is stretchable and can measure the pH level of sweat, it was announced.
By monitoring other chemicals in sweat, systems could help with the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, the researchers say.
Because the device is flexible, it will allow constant contact with the skin and consistent monitoring, the developers say.
The sensor is made from a graphite-polyurethane composite and measures one square centimetre – but can stretch up to 53% more. It can also be flexed up to 30% as many as 500 times, according to the developers.
Developer Professor Ravinder Dahiya said: “Human sweat contains much of the same physiological information that blood does, and its use in diagnostic systems has the significant advantage of not needing to break the skin in order to administer tests.
“Now that we’ve demonstrated that our stretchable system can be used to monitor pH levels, we’ve already begun additional research to expand the capabilities of the sensor and make it a more complete diagnostic system. We’re planning to add sensors capable of measuring glucose, ammonia and urea, for example, and ultimately we’d like to see a system ready for market in the next few years.”
Stretchable Wireless System for Sweat pH Monitoring Biosensors and Bioelectronics February 2018
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