Networks of sensors placed on the skin can provide continuous measurement of human physiological signals for applications in clinical diagnostics, athletics and human-machine interfaces. Wireless and battery-free sensors are particularly desirable for reliable long-term monitoring, but current approaches for achieving this mode of operation rely on near-field technologies that require close proximity (at most a few centimetres) between each sensor and a wireless readout device. Here, we report near-field-enabled clothing capable of establishing wireless power and data connectivity between multiple distant points around the body to create a network of battery-free sensors interconnected by proximity to functional textile patterns. Using computer-controlled embroidery of conductive threads, we integrate clothing with near-field-responsive patterns that are completely fabric-based and free of fragile silicon components. We demonstrate the utility of the networked system for real-time, multi-node measurement of spinal posture as well as continuous sensing of temperature and gait during exercise.

Electronic textiles capable of sensing, powering, and communication can be used to non-intrusively monitor human health during daily life. However, achieving these functionalities with clothing is challenging because of limitations in the electronic performance, flexibility and robustness of the underlying materials, which must endure repeated mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses during daily use. Here, we demonstrate electronic textile systems with functionalities in near-field powering and communication created by digital embroidery of liquid metal fibers. Owing to the unique electrical and mechanical properties of the liquid metal fibers, these electronic textiles can conform to body surfaces and establish robust wireless connectivity with nearby wearable or implantable devices, even during strenuous exercise. By transferring optimized electromagnetic patterns onto clothing in this way, we demonstrate a washable electronic shirt that can be wirelessly powered by a smartphone and continuously monitor axillary temperature without interfering with daily activities.

Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a promising intervention using photodynamic therapy (PDT) to enhance the activity of chemotherapeutic drugs. However, current bladder cancer treatments involve high-dose chemotherapy and high-irradiance PDT which cause debilitating side effects. Moreover, low penetration of light and drugs in target tissues and cumbersome light delivery procedures hinder the clinical utility of PDT and chemotherapy combination for PCI. To circumvent these challenges, a photodynamic-chemotherapy approach is developed comprising tumor-targeting glycosylated nanocarriers, coloaded with chlorin e6 (Ce6) and gemcitabine elaidate (GemE), and a miniaturized implantable wirelessly powered light-emitting diode (LED) as a light source. The device successfully delivers four weekly light doses to the bladder while the nanocarrier promoted the specific accumulation of drugs in tumors. This approach facilitates the combination of low-irradiance PDT (1 mW cm −2 ) and low-dose chemotherapy (≈1500× lower than clinical dose) which significantly cures and controls orthotopic disease burden (90% treated vs control, 35%) in mice, demonstrating a potential new bladder cancer treatment option.

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Light has broad applications in medicine as a tool for diagnosis and therapy. Recent advances in optical technology and bioelectronics have opened opportunities for wearable, ingestible, and implantable devices that use light to continuously monitor health and precisely treat diseases. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the development and application of light-based bioelectronic devices. We summarize the key features of the technologies underlying these devices, including light sources, light detectors, energy storage and harvesting, and wireless power and communications. We investigate the current state of bioelectronic devices for the continuous measurement of health and on-demand delivery of therapy. Finally, we highlight major challenges and opportunities associated with light-based bioelectronic devices and discuss their promise for enabling digital forms of health care.

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Summary Wearable optoelectronic devices can interface with the skin for applications in continuous health monitoring and light-based therapy. Measurement of the thermal effect of light on skin is often critical to track physiological parameters and control light delivery. However, accurate measurement of light-induced thermal effects is challenging because conventional sensors cannot be placed on the skin without obstructing light delivery. Here, we report a wearable optoelectronic patch integrated with a transparent nanowire sensor that provides light delivery and thermal monitoring at the same location. We achieve fabrication of a transparent silver nanowire network with >92% optical transmission that provides thermoresistive sensing of skin temperature. By integrating the sensor in a wireless optoelectronic patch, we demonstrate closed-loop regulation of light delivery as well as thermal characterization of blood flow. This light delivery and thermal monitoring approach may open opportunities for wearable devices in light-based diagnostics and therapies.