Smart textiles and wearable technologies – opportunities offered in the fight against pandemics in relation to current COVID-19 state

Abstract

Recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world dramatically, posing profound challenges to our healthcare infrastructure, economic systems, social and cultural life but also to our freedom. What this pandemic made us realize so far, is that, despite the tremendous advances in medicine and pharmacy, in the initial moments, which are crucial in the containment of spreading of any pandemic, the key role is played by the non-pharmaceutical measures. These measures are the ones that bridge the time between pandemic outbreaks and the development of drugs or vaccines and are crucial for the number of human lives spared. Smart textiles and novel materials as part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) and telemedicine are crucial factors in the healthcare system. Here, we present an overview on the use of textiles in the fight against pandemics, in the past and current COVID-19, we analyze the morphology of the commonly used face masks, made of cotton and typically used polypropylene (PP). We also present the perspective that smart textiles, wearable technologies and novel materials are offering in the fight against future pandemics, mainly as part of the personal protective equipment and telemedicine.

Electrospun PCL Patches with Controlled Fiber Morphology and Mechanical Performance for Skin Moisturization via Long-Term Release of Hemp Oil for Atopic Dermatitis

“…In the second sub-type, the drug is dissolved or dispersed in an adhesive layer which is in contact with the skin [ 6 ]. Fibrous membranes, scaffolds, and patches have been widely utilized in tissue engineering [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], hemostats [ 10 ], tendon repair [ 11 ], drug delivery systems for wound healing [ 12 , 13 ], and in the face masks applications [ 14 , 15 ]. Importantly, the scaffold must show adequate mechanical properties, to provide robust support to the damaged tissue.…”

Contributions of Smart City Solutions and Technologies to Resilience against the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

“…Planning and preparatory activities and measures taken before the occurrence of adverse events may affect the abilities to respond and recover. Although there have always been concerns about disease outbreaks that could become global health threats, the outbreak of COVID-19 surprised many cities around the world because of limited pre-event preparations [26]. However, there have also been some cities that have done better preparations, leading to a relatively better response.…”

Future Trend in Wearable Electronics in the Textile Industry

“…In the commercial market, there are already many wearable non-textile products, for instance, smartwatches and wrist bands, which are used to monitor activity and the wearer's health parameters. However, electronic devices integrated into textiles can offer several advantages, such as enhanced mobility and comfort, and for the user, these can offer effective solutions for wearers who seek more detailed data about their fitness and performance [68,69]. Smart textiles can also eliminate the use of bulky equipment such as chest straps.…”