Scientists have created a wearable textile system designed to detect key physiological changes without the need for invasive testing. The new device, presented in a paper published in Nature Communications, uses a smart hairband embedded with biosensors to monitor multiple health indicators through sweat. It could be a new tool for fast assessment in emergencies.
Traditional methods like blood analysis are highly accurate but invasive and reliant on lab infrastructure. This new approach uses sweat as a diagnostic fluid instead. Sweat is easier to access and rich in information, containing electrolytes, hormones, and other biomarkers that reveal real-time physiological status. Clinical studies have shown strong links between blood and sweat biomarkers, reinforcing the potential of sweat-based diagnostics.
However, sweat secretion is inconsistent, and biomarkers are typically present in low concentrations. Further, conventional sensors often lack the sensitivity or stability needed for continuous monitoring. The researcher's hairband sensor addresses those issues using a textile-based platform for real-world, high-pressure environments.
The researchers developed a weavable biosensor array using a method called coaxial wet spinning. This process allows sensing materials to be directly embedded into yarns, forming a continuous, breathable network that efficiently conducts electrical signals while transporting sweat. The result is a lightweight, skin-compatible sensor that can be woven into textiles like headbands or wristbands.
Textile-Based Biosensing
In this study, the hairband was engineered to detect sodium, calcium, and potassium ions, pH levels, and body temperature, all at once. It also included a wireless electronic patch that handled signal processing, data transmission, and power control, making the device fully autonomous and cable-free.
To fabricate the sensor yarns, the team used materials such as silk fibroin and polylactic acid, combined with ion-specific compounds. These were mixed into a viscous solution and extruded through a coaxial needle, with silk yarn at the core and the sensing layer applied to the outer surface.
Once dried, the yarns were coated with silver/silver chloride ink and sealed with a polymer layer to improve conductivity and durability.
Tests confirmed that the biosensors had a uniform porous structure that enhanced sweat transport and electron transfer. The increased surface area was about 200 times greater than that of traditional coated yarns, and allowed for highly sensitive detection of each biomarker.
The sensors delivered stable readings over 24 hours with minimal drift and remained functional under repeated bending, temperature changes, and even washing. Tests also confirmed that the materials were biocompatible and did not cause skin irritation during extended wear.
High Sensitivity and Durability
Performance data showed high sensitivity across all analytes and consistent temperature tracking, confirming the system’s reliability for continuous monitoring. The hairband successfully captured physiological changes instantaneously, both in laboratory conditions and during on-body testing.
The researchers say this technology could offer a valuable tool in emergency medicine, where rapid, non-invasive health checks can be critical. Its comfort, flexibility, and ability to provide real-time data make it suitable not only for emergency response but also for long-term health monitoring, sports science, and chronic disease management in remote settings.
By embedding sensors directly into fibers, rather than layering them onto surfaces, the design improves performance and durability, key features for any wearable intended for high-stress environments.
The team now hopes the hairband could inspire further development of smart garments that track more complex biomarker profiles, offering an entirely new approach to personalised healthcare.
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Journal Reference
Li, M. et al. (2025). Multi-biosensing hairband for emergency health assessment. Nature Communications, 16(1), 1-12. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62556-6, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62556-6
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