Green Analytical Chemistry (Apr 2022)
Nanocellulose in wearable sensors
Abstract
Nanocellulose possesses an advantageous portfolio of properties required in wearable technologies, including deformability, printability, high mechanical resistance, lightweight nature, sustainability and the capability to be modified with electrical or optical properties in order to achieve stimuli responsive devices. Herein, an overview of inspiring examples of wearable sensors based on nanocellulose is offered. Innovative wearables that are relevant to healthcare are highlighted by covering different applications such as real-time body monitoring (ex. strain, pressure), biosignals detection (ex. sweat components), as well as environmental and external signals (ex. UV exposure). In all of them, the nanocellulose potential and benefits are critically discussed. In fact, nanocellulose represents an excellent choice for the development of green, small, comfortable and subtle wearable devices operating in different fields with a steadily growing social acceptance. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go for the discussed wearables to meet the expectations of completely smart and connected healthcare devices envisioned by the healthcare 4.0 paradigm, which is also underscored.
