Technological Advancements in Personal Protective Equipment: A Future Perspective

Introduction: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital in protecting the health and safety of individuals working in many different... With the latest developments in technology, PPE has made significant strides in its effectiveness and functionality. This is a new opinion paper, that wants to give a future scope towards technology involved in PPE. Methods: We performed a resume of the literature to find out what is the current state-of-the-art of PPE and what technology advancement could be done to improve the PPE. The electronic databases of PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar were searched for the following keywords: “personal protective equipment” “technology” “innovations” “future." Results: New advanced technologies in PPE were sorted into these properties corresponding to the three categories: materials, design and feature. Innovative materials, including nanotech-based materials, self-sanitizing surfaces, and biodegradable polymers, have been promising candidates towards more effective and sturdier personal protective equipment (PPE). From a design perspective, 3D printing and wearable sensors were noted for providing convenient and personalizable solutions for PPE. Additionally, more sophisticated components like air-cleaning systems, communicators, and augmented real notifications emerged as viable advancements in PPE. Conclusions: The ongoing incorporation of technology in PPE will further enhance its safety, comfort, and performance. New technology in materials, design, and features will protect better, reduce the chances of user error, and improve the experience overall. The future advancements are tremendous and researchers and industries should work closely together to ensure safety and well-being of individual.