This innovation will help people who suffer from chronic diseases, elderly people living alone and even firemen and police officers
Scientists at the Laval University in Quebec have developed new smart textiles that can monitor and transmit wearers' biomedical information via wireless or cellular networks, says a PTI report.
This innovation will help people who suffer from chronic diseases, elderly people living alone and even firemen and police officers.
The report further states that a team under the supervision of Professor Younes Messaddeq created the smart fabric by successfully superimposing multiple layers of copper, polymers, glass, and silver. The surface of the fibre can monitor the glucose levels, heart rhythm, brain activity, movements, and spatial coordinates.
"The fibre acts as both sensor and antenna. It is durable but malleable, and can be woven with wool or cotton. And signal quality is comparable to commercial antennas," Messaddeq, Canada Excellence Research Chair, Photonic Innovations told PTI.
A patent application has already been filed, though certain elements still need to be fine-tuned before the innovation is ready for commercialisation, researchers said.
"Of course, the technology will have to be connected to a wireless network, and there is the issue of power supply to be solved. We have tested a number of solutions, and the results are promising. We will also have to make sure the fabric is robust, and can stand up to chemicals found in laundry detergent," Messaddeq added.
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