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Gong S, Lu Y, Yin J, Levin A, Cheng W. Materials-Driven Soft Wearable Bioelectronics for Connected Healthcare. Chem Rev 2024; 124:455-553. [PMID: 38174868 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In the era of Internet-of-things, many things can stay connected; however, biological systems, including those necessary for human health, remain unable to stay connected to the global Internet due to the lack of soft conformal biosensors. The fundamental challenge lies in the fact that electronics and biology are distinct and incompatible, as they are based on different materials via different functioning principles. In particular, the human body is soft and curvilinear, yet electronics are typically rigid and planar. Recent advances in materials and materials design have generated tremendous opportunities to design soft wearable bioelectronics, which may bridge the gap, enabling the ultimate dream of connected healthcare for anyone, anytime, and anywhere. We begin with a review of the historical development of healthcare, indicating the significant trend of connected healthcare. This is followed by the focal point of discussion about new materials and materials design, particularly low-dimensional nanomaterials. We summarize material types and their attributes for designing soft bioelectronic sensors; we also cover their synthesis and fabrication methods, including top-down, bottom-up, and their combined approaches. Next, we discuss the wearable energy challenges and progress made to date. In addition to front-end wearable devices, we also describe back-end machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence, telecommunication, and software. Afterward, we describe the integration of soft wearable bioelectronic systems which have been applied in various testbeds in real-world settings, including laboratories that are preclinical and clinical environments. Finally, we narrate the remaining challenges and opportunities in conjunction with our perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Gong
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jialiang Yin
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Arie Levin
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Wenlong Cheng
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Nizioł M, Jankowski-Mihułowicz P, Węglarski M. The Influence of the Washing Process on the Impedance of Textronic Radio Frequency Identification Transponder Antennas. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:4639. [PMID: 37444952 DOI: 10.3390/ma16134639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Antennas dedicated to RFID systems created on textile substrates should maintain strictly defined parameters. During washing, the materials from which such antennas are made are exposed to mechanical and chemical exposure-degradation of the parameters characterizing those materials may occur, which in turn may lead to a change in the parameters of the antenna. For research purposes, four groups of model dipole antennas (sewn with two types of conductive threads on two fabrics) were created and then they were subjected to several washing processes. After each stage of the experiment, the impedance parameters of the demonstration antennas were measured using indirect measurements. Based on the obtained results, it was found that these parameters change their values during washing, and that this is influenced by a number of factors, e.g., shrinkage of the substrate fabric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Nizioł
- Department of Metrology and Diagnostic Systems, Rzeszów University of Technology, Wincentego Pola 2, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Piotr Jankowski-Mihułowicz
- Department of Electronic and Telecommunications Systems, Rzeszów University of Technology, Wincentego Pola 2, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Mariusz Węglarski
- Department of Electronic and Telecommunications Systems, Rzeszów University of Technology, Wincentego Pola 2, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
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Georgopoulou A, Srisawadi S, Wiroonpochit P, Clemens F. Soft Wearable Piezoresistive Sensors Based on Natural Rubber Fabricated with a Customized Vat-Based Additive Manufacturing Process. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15102410. [PMID: 37242985 DOI: 10.3390/polym15102410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Piezoresistive sensors for monitoring human motions are essential for the prevention and treatment of injury. Natural rubber is a material of renewable origin that can be used for the development of soft wearable sensors. In this study, natural rubber was combined with acetylene black to develop a soft piezoresistive sensing composite for monitoring the motion of human joints. An additive manufacturing technique based on stereolithography was used, and it was seen that the sensors produced with the method could detect even small strains (<10%) successfully. With the same sensor composite fabricated by mold casting, it was not possible to detect low strains reliably. TEM microscopy revealed that the distribution of the filler was not homogeneous for the cast samples, suggesting a directionality of the conductive filler network. For the sensors fabricated through the stereolithography-based method, a homogeneous distribution could be achieved. Based on mechano-electrical characterization, it was seen that the samples produced with AM combined the ability to endure large elongations with a monotonic sensor response. Under dynamic conditions, the sensor response of the samples produced by 3D printing showed lower drift and lower signal relaxation. The piezoresistive sensors were examined for monitoring the motion of the human finger joints. By increasing the bending angle of the sensor, it was possible to increase the sensitivity of the response. With the renewable origin of natural rubber and manufacturing method, the featured sensors can expand the applicability of soft flexible electronics in biomedical applications and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Georgopoulou
- Department of Advanced Materials and Surfaces, Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Sasitorn Srisawadi
- National Metal and Materials Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 114 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Panithi Wiroonpochit
- National Metal and Materials Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 114 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Frank Clemens
- Department of Advanced Materials and Surfaces, Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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De Fazio R, Mastronardi VM, De Vittorio M, Visconti P. Wearable Sensors and Smart Devices to Monitor Rehabilitation Parameters and Sports Performance: An Overview. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23041856. [PMID: 36850453 PMCID: PMC9965388 DOI: 10.3390/s23041856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative evaluation of kinetic parameters, the joint's range of motion, heart rate, and breathing rate, can be employed in sports performance tracking and rehabilitation monitoring following injuries or surgical operations. However, many of the current detection systems are expensive and designed for clinical use, requiring the presence of a physician and medical staff to assist users in the device's positioning and measurements. The goal of wearable sensors is to overcome the limitations of current devices, enabling the acquisition of a user's vital signs directly from the body in an accurate and non-invasive way. In sports activities, wearable sensors allow athletes to monitor performance and body movements objectively, going beyond the coach's subjective evaluation limits. The main goal of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of wearable technologies and sensing systems to detect and monitor the physiological parameters of patients during post-operative rehabilitation and athletes' training, and to present evidence that supports the efficacy of this technology for healthcare applications. First, a classification of the human physiological parameters acquired from the human body by sensors attached to sensitive skin locations or worn as a part of garments is introduced, carrying important feedback on the user's health status. Then, a detailed description of the electromechanical transduction mechanisms allows a comparison of the technologies used in wearable applications to monitor sports and rehabilitation activities. This paves the way for an analysis of wearable technologies, providing a comprehensive comparison of the current state of the art of available sensors and systems. Comparative and statistical analyses are provided to point out useful insights for defining the best technologies and solutions for monitoring body movements. Lastly, the presented review is compared with similar ones reported in the literature to highlight its strengths and novelties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Fazio
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Aguascalientes 20290, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (V.M.M.); Tel.: +39-08-3229-7334 (R.D.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Mariano Mastronardi
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Italian Technology Institute IIT, 73010 Arnesano, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (V.M.M.); Tel.: +39-08-3229-7334 (R.D.F.)
| | - Massimo De Vittorio
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Italian Technology Institute IIT, 73010 Arnesano, Italy
| | - Paolo Visconti
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Italian Technology Institute IIT, 73010 Arnesano, Italy
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Sun W, Guo Z, Yang Z, Wu Y, Lan W, Liao Y, Wu X, Liu Y. A Review of Recent Advances in Vital Signals Monitoring of Sports and Health via Flexible Wearable Sensors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:7784. [PMID: 36298135 PMCID: PMC9607392 DOI: 10.3390/s22207784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, vital signals monitoring in sports and health have been considered the research focus in the field of wearable sensing technologies. Typical signals include bioelectrical signals, biophysical signals, and biochemical signals, which have applications in the fields of athletic training, medical diagnosis and prevention, and rehabilitation. In particular, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in real-time interest in personal health. This has created an urgent need for flexible, wearable, portable, and real-time monitoring sensors to remotely monitor these signals in response to health management. To this end, the paper reviews recent advances in flexible wearable sensors for monitoring vital signals in sports and health. More precisely, emerging wearable devices and systems for health and exercise-related vital signals (e.g., ECG, EEG, EMG, inertia, body movements, heart rate, blood, sweat, and interstitial fluid) are reviewed first. Then, the paper creatively presents multidimensional and multimodal wearable sensors and systems. The paper also summarizes the current challenges and limitations and future directions of wearable sensors for vital typical signal detection. Through the review, the paper finds that these signals can be effectively monitored and used for health management (e.g., disease prediction) thanks to advanced manufacturing, flexible electronics, IoT, and artificial intelligence algorithms; however, wearable sensors and systems with multidimensional and multimodal are more compliant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuanyuan Liu
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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Bhatti DS, Saleem S, Imran A, Iqbal Z, Alzahrani A, Kim H, Kim KI. A Survey on Wireless Wearable Body Area Networks: A Perspective of Technology and Economy. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:7722. [PMID: 36298073 PMCID: PMC9607184 DOI: 10.3390/s22207722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The deployment of wearable or body-worn devices is increasing rapidly, and thus researchers' interests mainly include technical and economical issues, such as networking, interoperability, security, power optimization, business growth and regulation. To address these issues properly, previous survey papers usually focused on describing the wireless body area network architecture and network protocols. This implies that deployment issues and awareness issues of wearable and BAN devices are not emphasized in previous work. To defeat this problem, in this study, we have focused on feasibility, limitations, and security concerns in wireless body area networks. In the aspect of the economy, we have focused on the compound annual growth rate of these devices in the global market, different regulations of wearable/wireless body area network devices in different regions and countries of the world and feasible research projects for wireless body area networks. In addition, this study focuses on the domain of devices that are equally important to physicians, sportsmen, trainers and coaches, computer scientists, engineers, and investors. The outcomes of this study relating to physicians, fitness trainers and coaches indicate that the use of these devices means they would be able to treat their clients in a more effective way. The study also converges the focus of businessmen on the Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and provides manufacturers and vendors with information about different regulatory bodies that are monitoring and regulating WBAN devices. Therefore, by providing deployment issues in the aspects of technology and economy at the same time, we believe that this survey can serve as a preliminary material that will lead to more advancements and improvements in deployment in the area of wearable wireless body area networks. Finally, we present open issues and further research direction in the area of wireless body area networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Samuel Bhatti
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Saleem
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Azhar Imran
- Faculty of Computing & A.I., Air University, Islamabad 42000, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Faculty of Computing & A.I., Air University, Islamabad 42000, Pakistan
| | - Abdulkareem Alzahrani
- Computer Science & Engineering Department, Al Baha University, Al Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia
| | - HyunJung Kim
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Ki-Il Kim
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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Liu L, Zhang X. A Focused Review on the Flexible Wearable Sensors for Sports: From Kinematics to Physiologies. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1356. [PMID: 36014277 PMCID: PMC9412724 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
As an important branch of wearable electronics, highly flexible and wearable sensors are gaining huge attention due to their emerging applications. In recent years, the participation of wearable devices in sports has revolutionized the way to capture the kinematical and physiological status of athletes. This review focuses on the rapid development of flexible and wearable sensor technologies for sports. We identify and discuss the indicators that reveal the performance and physical condition of players. The kinematical indicators are mentioned according to the relevant body parts, and the physiological indicators are classified into vital signs and metabolisms. Additionally, the available wearable devices and their significant applications in monitoring these kinematical and physiological parameters are described with emphasis. The potential challenges and prospects for the future developments of wearable sensors in sports are discussed comprehensively. This review paper will assist both athletic individuals and researchers to have a comprehensive glimpse of the wearable techniques applied in different sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Sports, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Nano Materials and Technology, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
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Dkhar D, Kumari R, Mahapatra S, C D, CHANDRA PRANJAL. Engineering Design, Implementation, and Sensing Mechanisms of Wearable Bioelectronic Sensors in Clinical Settings. ELECTROANAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.202200154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Divya C
- Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi INDIA
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