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Huang et al. Soft Sci 2024;4:40 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.37 Page 25 of 35

batteries, thereby offering a novel integration strategy for textile health monitoring systems.

To establish electrical connections in textiles, PCBs play a crucial role. Over the past two years, Wang et al.
have reported innovative fabrication methods for creating circuit patterns on textiles, specifically double-
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sided photolithography technology and in-textile photolithography technology . The latter represents an
optimization of the former, enabling the fabrication of finer metal patterns (sub-100 µm) that can penetrate
the interior of the textiles. This advancement maintains the three-dimensional porous structure of the
textiles, thereby preserving their breathability and comfort [Figure 10B]. The optimized circuit patterns
have been utilized to construct a multiplex sweat sensing system fully integrated into the textile framework,
successfully monitoring physiological signals.

Additionally, Yang et al. prepared a non-printed integrated-circuit textile (NIT) for biomedical and
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therapeutic diagnostic applications . This system comprises devices such as transistors, sensors, diodes,
solar cells, and batteries, all constructed in the form of fibers or crossover nodes [Figure 10C]. These devices
are woven into a deformable textile IC [Figure 10D]. The NIT employs fiber-based transistors for logic
operations, incorporates various sensors for health and environmental monitoring, and integrates
photovoltaic and battery fibers for self-powered energy. Wireless data transmission is facilitated via infrared
or advanced communication fibers. The NIT represents a fully self-powered, wearable monitoring system,
simulating an AI “nurse” for health oversight and emergency assistance. This non-printing approach offers
a novel manufacturing process distinct from traditional PCBs, promising for future wearables and
personalized healthcare.

Security and reliability of the components
The safety of textile-based health monitoring systems encompasses two primary aspects: human safety and
environmental friendliness, as well as data security and privacy protection. Given that health monitoring
devices are intended for integration on the human body or even for implantation, the functional fibers and
fabrics must be non-toxic and harmless at a cellular level. Materials that are green, harmless, and
environmentally friendly should be prioritized. Devices implanted in biological tissues must exhibit
excellent biocompatibility to prevent scarring and inflammation.

In the data processing module, UI, and software, devices should undergo regular calibration to maintain
data accuracy. In accordance with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection
Regulation , personal health information should be encrypted for storage and transmission. Access
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control measures should be implemented to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data. To
guard against cyber-attacks, firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be employed to enhance data
security.

As textile electronics continue to evolve, future health monitoring systems are expected to develop into
more powerful telemedicine solutions and smart wards. Therefore, for systems closely linked to medical
care, the entire system design must comply with the safety and reliability standards of medical devices, such
as obtaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval .
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CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK
Textile electronics hold substantial potential for development in the field of wearable health monitoring.
This review provides an overview of the materials and fabrication methods associated with textile
electronics. Key design strategies for developing textile-based health monitoring systems are discussed.
Furthermore, the applications of textile electronics in ubiquitous health monitoring are also introduced,