To date, developments in that field are mainly focused on physiological measurements (body temperature, electro-cardiogram, electromyogram, breath rhythm, etc.) with first applications targeting sport monitoring and prevention of cardiovascular risk. Biochemical measurements on body fluids will be needed to tackle very important health and safety issues.
The BIOTEX project aims at developing dedicated biochemical-sensing techniques compatible with integration into textile. This goal represents a complete breakthrough, which allows for the first time the monitoring of body fluids via sensors distributed on a textile substrate and performing biochemical measurements. BIOTEX is addressing the sensing part and its electrical or optical connection to a signal processor. The approach aims at developing sensing patches, adapted to different targeted body fluids and biological species to be monitored, where the textile itself is the sensor. The extension to whole garment and the integration with physiological monitors is part of the roadmap of the consortium.
The BIOTEX project is a Specific Targeted Research or Innovation Project (STREP) part of the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Commission, Priority 2&3, joint call between IST (Information Society Technologies) and NMP (Nanotechnology and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices).
The consortium consists of 8 partners from 4 countries. It includes two research institutes in the field of micro and nanotechnology, two SMEs active in clothing R&D and production, two universities leader in wearable bioengineering, and two companies expert in engineering and manufacturing of textiles for demanding markets.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.biotex-eu.com