Imperial researchers have embedded new low-cost sensors that monitor breathing, heart rate, and ammonia into t-shirts and face masks. Potential applications range from monitoring exercise, sleep, and stress to diagnosing and monitoring disease through breath and vital signs. The researchers embroidered the sensors into a face mask to monitor breathing, a t-shirt to monitor heart activity, and textiles to monitor gases like ammonia, a component of the breath that can be used to detect liver and kidney function.
The ammonia sensors were developed to test whether gas sensors could also be manufactured using embroidery. The researchers tested the sensors against commercially available silver-based conductive threads during and after they were embroidered into clothing. The embroidered sensors retained the intrinsic properties of the fabric such as wearability, breathability and feel-on-the-skin. They are also machine washable at up to 30°C. Next, the researchers will explore new application areas like energy storage, energy harvesting and biochemical sensing for personalized medicine.
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https://techxplore.com/news/2022-09-wearable-sensors-styled-t-shirts-masks.html