Advances in textile-based microfluidics for biomolecule sensing

Abstract

Textile-based microfluidic biosensors represent an innovative fusion of various multidisciplinary fields, including bioelectronics, material sciences, and microfluidics. Their potential in biomedicine is significant as they leverage textiles to achieve high demands of biocompatibility with the human body and conform to the irregular surfaces of the body. In the field of microfluidics, fabric coated with hydrophobic materials serves as channels through which liquids are transferred in precise amounts to the sensing element, which in this case is a biosensor. This paper presents a condensed overview of the current developments in textile-based microfluidics and biosensors in biomedical applications over the past 20 years (2005-2024). A literature search was performed using the Scopus database. The fabrication techniques and materials used are discussed in this paper, as these will be key in various modifications and advancements in textile-based microfluidics. Furthermore, we also address the gaps in the application of textile-based microfluidic analytical devices in biomedicine and discuss the potential solutions. Advances in textile-based microfluidics are enabled by various printing and fabric manufacturing techniques, such as screen printing, embroidery, and weaving. Integration of these devices into everyday clothing holds promise for future vital sign monitoring, such as glucose, albumin, lactate, and ion levels, as well as early detection of hereditary diseases through gene detection. Although most testing currently takes place in a laboratory or controlled environment, this field is rapidly evolving and pushing the boundaries of biomedicine, improving the quality of human life.

FIG. 1.

Review summary of the presented review paper on textile-based microfluidics for biomolecule sensing.

FIG. 2.

The percentage of papers published on the materials used in textile-based microfluidics.

FIG. 3.

Graphical depiction of the number of papers using different fabrication methods in textile-based microfluidic biosensors.

FIG. 4.

Different fabrications of textile-based microfluidic biosensors, all in a patch form: (a)–(f) core-shell structured gold nanorods on a thread-embroidered fabric-based microfluidic device (a) dependence of voltage from time of the capacitors powered by F-TENG, (b) comparison of biosensing performances between F-TENG and commercial devices for glucose, (c) creatinine, (d) lactate, (e) smart clothing integrated with F-TENG , and (f) body motion captured by f-TENG. Reproduced with permission from Zhao et al., Biosens. Bioelectron. 205, 114115 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier. (g) Capillary microfluidics-integrated nanoporous gold electrochemical sensor. (h) Layered components in the fully stretchable microfluidics-integrated biosensor patch and the FESEM of different parts of the device. Reproduced with permission from Bae et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 11(16), 14567–14575 (2019). Copyright 2019 American Chemical Society. (i) Illustration view of the embroidered/fabric sensing band and its interface with skin. Reproduced with permission from Zhao et al., Sens. Actuators B: Chem. 353, 131154 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier. (j) Underlying process of glucose detection. Reproduced with permission from Zhao et al., Biosens. Bioelectron. 205, 114115 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier. (k) Sensing band as a wearable device on different parts of the body. Reproduced with permission from Zhao et al., Sens. Actuators B: Chem. 353, 131154 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier.

FIG. 5.

Modified graphene-based nanocomposite material for lactate detection in human sweat: (a) step-by-step depiction of the fabrication of the lactate detection system. (b)–(e) Lactate content measurement using amperometry (b) at different concentrations of lactate. (c) as (b) but with addition of human and artificial sweat. (d) Linear calibration curve for artificial sweat and l-lactate. (e) Differential pulse voltammogram of different concentrations of lactate. (f) SEM images of tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) reduced graphene oxide (TEPARGO). (g) XPS spectra of C1s GO with a fitted curve. Reproduced with permission from Khan et al., Biosens. Bioelectron.: X 10, 100103 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier. (h) Underlying detection mechanism of lactate sensors. Reproduced with permission from Zhao et al., Biosens. Bioelectron. 205, 114115 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier. (i) Laser scanning microscopic images of (left to right) G-PU-RGO-PB noncoated and coated (left) working electrode with enzymes immobilized (right). Reproduced with permission from Khan et al., Biosens. Bioelectron.: X 10, 100103 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier.

FIG. 6.

Cotton-thread microfluidic device for separation of blood plasma and assay to detect albumin: (a) visual representation of different parameters for quantifying separation of blood plasma and assay. Semi-quantitative analysis of albumin by an EDTA treated textile-based microfluidic analytical device: (b) and (c) artificial blood and (d) and (e) sheep whole blood. Reprinted with permission from Fakhrul Ulum et al., Lab Chip, 2016(16), 1492–1504. Copyright 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry.

FIG. 7.

Textile-based microfluidic device for separation of Hg²⁺ ions and Pb²⁺ ions: (a) illustration of each layer from the top and the detection process of the rotary μCAD. (b) Illustration of each layer from the bottom and the detection process. (c) Functionalization process and the underlying detection mechanism of the textile-based microfluidic device for ion separation. Reprinted with permission from Wang et al., J. Hazard. Mater. 428, 128165 (2022). Copyright 2022 Elsevier.

FIG. 8.

Cloth-based microfluidic biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of a K-ras gene: (a) cloth-based microfluidic biosensor. (b) Electrochemiluminescence intensity graphs showing the detection of the K-ras gene, as well as the background noise. (c) Underlying detection mechanism used for gene detection and sensor preparation. Reprinted with permission from Su et al., Sens. Actuators B: Chem. 296, 126654 (2019). Copyright 2019 Elsevier.

FIG. 9.

Different types of detection strategies for uric acid: (a)–(c) Uric acid detection based on UV detection. Reproduced with permission from Wang et al., Crit. Rev. Anal. Chem. 50(4), 359–375 (2020). Copyright 2020 Taylor & Francis Publishing.