Smart textile with integrated wearable electrochemical sensors

This opinion provides a comprehensive overview of the research carried out in the past two years on wearable textile-based electrochemical sweat sensors. These sensors have been developed for the detection of glucose, lactate, cortisol and other physiological parameters. The paper also reviews multifunctional sensors, textile microfluidic devices, and e-textile sensors designed for the detection of pathogens and various volatile and hazardous chemical compounds. Additionally, the overview presents the future key research priorities and innovations in European textile industry, particularly in fields of high-tech materials and smart textiles. The overview also addresses contemporary sustainability challenges related to e-textiles, including issues such as reuse or recycling, also the replacement of synthetic fibers and functional particles with eco-friendly alternatives, all without compromising the functionality. Furthermore, the paper reviews the requirements for future e-textiles, which include flexibility, elasticity, resistance to washing, seamless integration of sensors and low energy consumption.