Recent Advances and Challenges in Textile Electrodes for Wearable Biopotential Signal Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The technology of wearable medical equipment has advanced to the point where it is now possible to monitor the electrocardiogram and electromyogram comfortably at home. The transition from wet Ag/AgCl electrodes to various types of gel-free dry electrodes has made it possible to continuously and accurately monitor the biopotential signals. Fabrics or textiles, which were once meant to protect the human body, have undergone significant development and are now employed as intelligent textile materials for healthcare monitoring. The conductive textile electrodes provide the benefit of being breathable and comfortable. In recent years, there has been a significant advancement in the fabrication of wearable conductive textile electrodes for monitoring biopotential signals. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in wearable conductive textile electrodes for biopotential signal monitoring. The paper covers various aspects of the technology, including the electrode design, various manufacturing techniques utilised to fabricate wearable smart fabrics, and performance characteristics. The advantages and limitations of various types of textile electrodes are discussed, and key challenges and future research directions are identified. This will allow them to be used to their fullest potential for signal gathering during physical activities such as running, swimming, and other exercises while being linked into wireless portable health monitoring systems.

Development and evaluation of a uterine contraction monitoring device: a home monitoring device

“…For continuously monitoring, dry contact electrodes are used by people (15). In this research, we used dry contact electrodes.…”

A Stretchable and Sweat-Adhesive 3D Graphene Eutectogel Electrode for EMG Monitoring

“…In recent years, wearable devices have made remarkable progress and have been widely used in different fields, such as human–computer interactions, healthcare, and drug delivery. − An epidermal electrode is a kind of wearable device and can collect electrophysiological signals, including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG), and electromyography (EMG). − EMG is derived from electrical potential changes of muscle cells or muscle tissues during activity, which is used for fatigue assessment and relief, sports training, and prosthesis control. − However, epidermal electrodes no longer fit closely to skin after sweating or a period of use, which creates motion artifacts, reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and makes it difficult to detect weak EMG. , In addition, human skin deforms with body movement. Dry electrodes do not adapt to the deformation and separate from skin, which cannot stably detect signals and causes discomfort. , Commercial gel electrodes usually reduce adhesion and conductivity after prolonged use due to water loss, which poses a challenge for long-term reusable electrodes. − Eutectic gels are a type of ionic gels, which have great adhesion and stretchability .…”

Benchtop Performance of Novel Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductive Electrode Form Factors for Biopotential Recordings

“…As the demand for wearables and mobile electrophysiological applications has increased in recent years, so has the development of various dry electrode form factors. Textile electrodes offer improved user comfort and usability across a wide range of applications, but their durability and signal quality are often suboptimal for extended use [17]. Microneedle electrodes penetrate the upper layers of the skin, which greatly reduces skin impedance and improves signal quality [18].…”