Measurement and Analysis of Biomedical Signals from Conductive Textiles

The development of flexible electronics is contingent upon the utilisation of multifunctional electronic fabrics, or e-textiles. However, the production of these materials is currently challenging, requiring precise print control, excellent flexibility, and washability. This study documents the creation of fully flexible textile-based electrical circuits using a screen-printing technique with an innovative commercial ink based on graphene-related materials. The formulated ink was applied to produce conductive pathways of varying widths on different types of cotton and polyester substrates. The pathways exhibited significant differences in resistivity for different substrate/ink combinations. Experimental tests have demonstrated that the conductivity of a material is significantly influenced by the nature of the substrate, specifically the arrangement of the warp and weft. The resistivity of fabrics with different warp and weft structures varies, ensuring accurate transmission of the electrical signal. This work offers insights into the manufacturing of smart wearable devices using screen printing and presents intriguing findings.Clinical Relevance- The development of flexible and washable e-textiles with reliable conductivity represents a significant advancement in the integration of smart textiles into healthcare applications. These materials have the potential to facilitate continuous, unobtrusive monitoring of physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration, and movement, which would benefit patients with chronic conditions, those recovering from surgery, and those undergoing rehabilitation. The enhancement of wearability and durability in such technologies holds considerable potential to improve remote patient monitoring, reduce hospital visits, and facilitate early detection of health anomalies.