What if wearable biochemical sensors could be seamlessly integrated into everyday garments through digital embroidery?

This project, in collaboration with Prof. Joshi, explores the development of a new manufacturing method that integrates biochemical sensors based on engineered biopolymeric fibers into existing garments via embroidery. This approach aims to create functional wearables that are both comfortable and socially acceptable, while providing real-time biometric and biochemical data.

The basic interaction module in this project is the use of engineered biopolymeric fibers embroidered into textiles, enabling continuous real-time biochemical sensing through the garments.

Wearable sensor technology has advanced rapidly, but current biochemical sensing devices are bulky, rely on synthetic fibers, and require specialized fabrication procedures. These limitations hinder their widespread acceptance and conflict with industry trends towards sustainable manufacturing. There is a need for innovative methods to integrate biochemical sensors into garments in a way that is both sustainable and user-friendly.

We propose to develop a new manufacturing method that enables the integration of biochemical sensors into garments using digital embroidery with bioactive fibers. This involves leveraging advances in biofabrication and computational design to create engineered biopolymeric fibers that can be seamlessly added to textiles. The process includes designing the embroidery patterns to ensure effective sensing and data collection while maintaining comfort and wearability.

Our approach is novel because it combines digital embroidery techniques with bioactive fibers to create sustainable, functional wearables. This integration not only expands the capabilities of wearable technology but also promotes environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. The vision for the future includes the widespread adoption of these bioactive embroidered textiles in everyday wear, providing users with real-time biochemical data while maintaining comfort and style.We propose to develop a new manufacturing method that enables the integration of biochemical sensors into garments using digital embroidery with bioactive fibers. This involves leveraging advances in biofabrication and computational design to create engineered biopolymeric fibers that can be seamlessly added to textiles. The process includes designing the embroidery patterns to ensure effective sensing and data collection while maintaining comfort and wearability.

Overview process diagram of the workflow of the project.
Wearable Biosensors Overview Diagram

Team

Saurabh Mhatre (Research Scientist, CAMD), Avantika Velho (Biodesigner + Research Assistant, CAMD), Dr. Katia Zolotovsky (PI, Assistant Professor, CAMD + COS)

Collaborators:

Dr. Neel Joshi (Associate Professor, COS)