Materials in Technological-Wearable Devices for Health: Review and Perspective

The convergence between the textile industry and technology has revolutionized material design, enabling the development of smart textiles for wearable technological devices, especially in the healthcare sector. These devices, designed to continuously monitor physiological parameters and provide personalized support, have found in smart textiles an essential solution thanks to their properties of flexibility, comfort and adaptability, key to their prolonged use. This article examines the evolution of smart textiles from passive textiles, capable of responding to environmental stimuli, to ultra-smart textiles, which integrate sensors, actuators, microprocessors, and artificial intelligence algorithms to process information and offer adaptive solutions. The critical properties of smart textile materials are analyzed, such as their conductive, sensory, biocompatible, and energy-harvesting capabilities, as well as their application in areas such as health monitoring, treatment delivery, fall prevention, and rehabilitation. Advances in manufacturing methods are also explored, highlighting associated challenges such as technology integration and sustainability. This study presents a systematic review culminating in an integrative table of the main textile materials used in wearables for health, providing a clear view of their current potential and future areas of research. This approach not only highlights technological advancements, but also opportunities for innovation in smart textile design, positioning them as a key element in the transformation of personalized and technological health.