An integrated textile of electrical signal sensing with visual indicators and energy supply for perspiration management

Recent advances in wearable electronics have enabled the development of sweat sensors providing valuable information for healthcare monitoring. However, the limitations of sweat sensors are excessive dependence on external detection systems, the impossible to real-time visual signal transmission, and inadequate perspiration management. Herein, a single- and double-layer interwoven fabric (SDIF) is designed to achieve indicators of color visualization with an output of electrical signal and energy supply. After absorption of electrolyte, the SDIF can be rapidly activated, connected with the concentration, infiltrated volume, and environmental parameters, and the variational color of SDIF can provide visual indicators. The one tissue cycle of SDIF with three-weft intervals maintains a stable output voltage of ≈1.0 V, conducted by twisting, folding, dynamic bending, and reusing. Moreover, serial tissue cycles can be woven into large fabrics by connecting in series and parallel configurations for energy supply. The developed SDIF with an interweaving structural design using industrial-producible weaving technology provides the functionality of sweat adsorption and transportation, monitoring by recognition of color, and electrical signals to improve perspiration management.