Review
Polymer Science
Jui-Chi Lin, Panos Liatsis, Paschalis Alexandridis
Summary: Advances in stretchable and flexible sensors are meeting the demand for wearable and portable smart electronics. Tactile sensors, which integrate electronics, physics, and materials science, have great potential in various applications. This review summarizes recent advances in different types of tactile sensors and highlights the importance of integrating nanomaterials into polymer substrates to achieve enhanced sensing performance and mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Shi-Yuan Zhang, Da-Wei Pan, Hai-Dong Fan, Lu Shi, Yi-Min Yang, Zhuang Liu, Xiao-Jie Ju, Rui Xie, Wei Wang, Liang-Yin Chu
Summary: A stretchable conductive Janus hydrogel with controllable porous structures is developed for highly sensitive monitoring of human motion. The hydrogel possesses dual-crosslinked polymeric networks and controllable Janus porous structures, showing fast response and good durability.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Fatemeh Nikbakhtnasrabadi, Hatem El Matbouly, Markellos Ntagios, Ravinder Dahiya
Summary: This paper presents a textile-based stretchable microstrip patch antenna with intrinsic strain for e-textiles, which can also function as a strain sensor to measure joint angles with high sensitivity and stretchability.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shuang Wu, Zheng Cui, G. Langston Baker, Siddarth Mahendran, Ziyang Xie, Yong Zhu
Summary: Wearable heaters based on AgNW composite materials have been developed, showing constant performance under large tensile strain and successful application in thermotherapy on curved surfaces such as knees.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxin Wang, Jinmei He, Lili Ma, Yali Yao, Xuedan Zhu, Lei Peng, Xiangrong Liu, Kanshe Li, Mengnan Qu
Summary: A humidity-resistant and stretchable single-electrode t-TENG (PFL@WFCF-TENG) has been designed with high output performance and strong humidity resistance, making it suitable for applications in intelligent alarming, haptic sensing, and energy harvesting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Youzhi Zhang, Jinjun Zou, Haojie Wang, Chao Zhou, Xizhang Chen
Summary: A novel pressure switch conductive (PSC) textile keyboard with a single-layer structure has been developed, which is lightweight, stretchable, and has only four wires. The keyboard demonstrates excellent wearability and can be integrated into lab coats, gloves, and wrapped on 3D object surfaces for touch perception.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
W. Wu, X. Peng, Y. Xiao, J. Sun, L. Li, Y. Xu, S. Zhang, K. Dong, L. Wang
Summary: In this study, a shape-adaptive flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on a conductive ink material is demonstrated. The TENG exhibits outstanding stretchability and output performance, adapting to complex and varying environmental factors. It generates an output voltage of 128 V and power density of 0.286 mW/cm2 under contact mode with applied vertical compressive stress of 20 N. The TENG maintains excellent output performance under a certain range of strains and can be used for active motion monitoring and energy harvesting on irregular surfaces. It is a promising candidate for the development of self-powered strain sensing devices in future practical applications.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pengfei Deng, Xuan Li, Yanbin Wang, Zijian He, Wenkai Zhu, Yun Zhang, Gabriella M. Schalm, Tian Li
Summary: This study demonstrates a highly stretchable, ionic, and electronic conductive fabric by utilizing natural nanoscale channels in fibers, confining the electronic conductive material with the cellulose fibers, and decoupling the property degradation of the fiber from deformation using a knitted pattern.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yue Zhang, Yufan Zhang, Jiahui Zhou, Desuo Zhang, Hong Lin, Yuyue Chen, Yi Li, Jiaqing Xiong
Summary: This article summarizes the working mechanism, advantages, material options, and fabrication methods of stretchable composite conductive fibers (SCCFs) in wearables. It highlights the typical applications of SCCFs in energy management, sensing, actuators, heaters, and displays. The challenges faced in wearable applications are also identified, along with proposed solutions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jieyu Xiao, Yan Xiong, Juan Chen, Shanshan Zhao, Shangbi Chen, Banglian Xu, Bin Sheng
Summary: A novel dual conductive-sheath fiber (DCSF) with ultrahigh sensitivity and fast response time was developed in this study, successfully woven into gloves to recognize different hand gestures and efficiently detect microvibrations. The DCSF has potential applications in the development of smart wearable devices and micro vibration sensors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengfei Zhao, Yilin Song, Peng Xie, Fan Zhang, Tao Xie, Gang Liu, Jiyu Zhao, Su-Ting Han, Ye Zhou
Summary: Smart textile for sensor shows improved convenience and comfort for wearable bioelectronics. However, most textile-based sensors cannot fully utilize the advantages of textiles due to non-textile or inorganic components. This study presents an all-textile, washable, and breathable sensor with discriminable pressure, proximity, and temperature sensing function. It also shows the integration of the sensor into various fabrics for wide-range sensing without sacrificing biocompatibility and comfortability. Furthermore, combining with deep-learning technique, an all-textile sensing system is established to recognize object shape, contactless trajectory, and environmental temperature.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xianghui Zeng, Minglu Hu, Pei He, Weikai Zhao, Sihan Dong, Xiaowen Xu, Guozhang Dai, Jia Sun, Junliang Yang
Summary: This article introduces a method using heat transfer printing technology to create robust conductive patterns on fabric substrates, resulting in a high conductivity and durable carbon-based electronic textile. The sensor can accurately reflect different degrees of finger bending and works well in waterproof situations. Additionally, five sensors were integrated into a fabric glove, which, combined with machine learning, can recognize 8 different gestures with an average accuracy of 96.58%.
IEEE ELECTRON DEVICE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Qiao Li, Mengzhen Si, Tiantian Liu, Qiqi Luo, Tianshu Zhang, Xi Wang
Summary: Textile stretchable electronics are favorable for various wearable applications due to their ability to conform to the curved human skin. However, the importance of mechanical stretchability has been overemphasized, while the essential electrical characteristics, such as conductivity and electrical stability, have been neglected. In this study, we present a stretchable textile interconnects called multi-layer helical yarn (MLHY), which exhibits both supreme stretching capability and ultrahigh conductivity with nearly 100% electrical stability. The MLHYs can be easily integrated into textile structures using sewing, weaving, or knitting technologies, making them reliable and promising stretchable interconnects for versatile textile stretchable electronics.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Da Yeon Cheong, Sang Won Lee, Insu Park, Hyo Gi Jung, Seokbeom Roh, Dongtak Lee, Taeha Lee, Saebomeena Lee, Wonseok Lee, Dae Sung Yoon, Gyudo Lee
Summary: In this study, researchers successfully fabricated reduced graphene oxide-coated lotus fiber (RGOLF), which demonstrated high electrical conductivity and remarkable sensing performance for hazardous gases. The RGOLF also exhibited good mechanical flexibility and elasticity, making it a promising candidate for gas sensing applications in environmental air.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanchan Lee, Gyusung Jung, Kayeon Keum, Jung Wook Kim, Hyein Jeong, Yong Hui Lee, Dong Sik Kim, Jeong Sook Ha
Summary: This study introduces a textile-based stretchable supercapacitor with high electrochemical performance, mechanical stability, and temperature tolerance, which can provide stable energy storage under extreme conditions and different deformation situations.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yuri Belotti, Elaine Hsuen Lim, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: In this study, a 19-gene TME-related HGSOC prognostic genetic panel was identified using bioinformatics methods, and an association between tumor-infiltrating immune cells and mortality rates was found.
Review
Cell Biology
Jia Mei Hong, Hyeyoung Lee, Nishanth Menon, Chwee Teck Lim, Luke P. Lee, Catherine W. M. Ong
Summary: This review evaluates the current diagnostic assays endorsed by the World Health Organization for tuberculosis and discusses the development of rapid tests and microfluidics technology.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yuri Belotti, Serenella Tolomeo, Rongjun Yu, Wan-Teck Lim, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: This study investigates the role of dysregulated neurotransmitter receptors (NTRs) genes in the prognosis of low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The findings suggest that certain NTR genes are associated with different patient survival outcomes in LGG and GBM. These genes show downregulation across glioma grades and have a negative correlation with genes related to immune response, inflammation, and cancer hallmarks in LGG. The study highlights the potential implications for therapeutic and preventive strategies targeting the regulatory networks involving the autonomic nervous system, cancer cells, and the tumor microenvironment.
Letter
Oncology
Kah Yee Goh, Kah Weng Lau, Terence You De Cheng, Su Chin Tham, Chwee Teck Lim, Narayanan Gopalakrishna Iyer, Su Bin Lim, Darren Wan-Teck Lim
CANCER COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kang Du, Rongzhou Lin, Lu Yin, John S. Ho, Joseph Wang, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are fabrics that can perform electronic functions and enhance clothing functionality. Recent advances in energy, sensing, and communication have led to significant progress in the development of e-textiles, attracting research and commercial interest in various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yufeng Shou, Xin Yong Teo, Xianlei Li, Zhicheng Le, Ling Liu, Xinhong Sun, Win Jonhson, Jun Ding, Chwee Teck Lim, Andy Tay
Summary: This study developed a dynamic 3D magnetic hydrogel that can wirelessly and reversibly change its matrix stiffness multiple times using an external magnet, enabling the study of the impact of matrix softening on cancer biology. It was found that increasing matrix stiffness promotes tumor malignancy, but the malignant transformations can be halted or reversed by matrix softening, enhancing drug efficacy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuwen Chen, Shicheng Fan, Jiaming Qi, Ze Xiong, Zheng Qiao, Zixiong Wu, Joo Chuan Yeo, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: A bilayer liquid-solid conductor (b-LSC) with amphiphilic properties is introduced in this study to interface reliably with both rigid electronics and elastomeric substrates. It exhibits high strain-insensitive conductivity, extreme stretchability, and negligible resistance change under ultra-high strain. The b-LSC can be used for various applications, such as stretchable sensor arrays, multi-layered stretchable displays, and highly integrated haptic user-interactive optoelectric E-skins.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Huanqian Zhang, Jee Chin Teoh, Jianfeng Wu, Longteng Yu, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: One advantage of a resistive sensor array (RSA) with shared rows and shared columns is the reduced number of wires, which can lessen the complexity and burden on wearable electronic systems. However, the drawback is the crosstalk current effect between adjacent elements, which leads to high measurement error. This study introduces a new circuit design called the dynamic zero current method (DZCM) to decrease the measurement error further.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hardik Makkar, Ying Zhou, Kai Soo Tan, Chwee Teck Lim, Gopu Sriram
Summary: Gingival crevice and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow are crucial for maintaining gingival health and preventing periodontal disease. However, current in vitro models lack the dynamic nature of the gingival crevicular microenvironment, hindering the development of periodontal therapeutics. This study describes a microfluidic platform that mimics GCF flow to culture gingival connective tissue. The platform successfully replicated microbial colonization, biofilm formation, and early gingival inflammation in response to oral symbiont and periodontal pathogen exposure. The induction of flow attenuated the secretion of inflammatory mediators, demonstrating the protective effect of GCF flow.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ren Hao Soon, Zhen Yin, Metin Alp Dogan, Nihal Olcay Dogan, Mehmet Efe Tiryaki, Alp Can Karacakol, Asli Aydin, Pouria Esmaeili-Dokht, Metin Sitti
Summary: This article presents a pangolin-inspired bi-layered soft robot design that achieves heating >70 degrees C at distances >5cm without compromising compliance and safety, thus providing a new option for biomedical applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Y. Belotti, D. S. Jokhun, V. L. M. Valerio, T. W. Chong, C. T. Lim
Summary: We developed a fast and cost-effective method that combines pH imaging and machine learning for non-invasive identification of different cell populations at the single-cell level. By leveraging biophysical and biochemical markers obtained from pH imaging with deep learning, we achieved highly accurate classification of cancer cells.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Christy Kwokdinata, Vaibavi Ramanujam, Jiahui Chen, Paula Nunes de Oliveira, Mui Hoon Nai, Wai Hon Chooi, Chwee Teck Lim, Shi Yan Ng, Laurent David, Sing Yian Chew
Summary: This study found that using injectable hyaluronan-gelatin hydrogel in transplantation therapy can promote cell survival and neural differentiation of human spinal cord progenitor cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hardik Makkar, Chwee Teck Lim, Kai Soo Tan, Gopu Sriram
Summary: Gingival connective tissue and its vasculature are important for the immune response against oral bacteria and act as a connection between the oral and systemic environments. However, there's a lack of models that mimic the complex features of vascularized gingival connective tissue and its interaction with oral bacteria, limiting our understanding of periodontal health and disease. In this study, the researchers developed vascularized gingival tissue models to study the interactions between oral bacteria and gingival tissues in different states. They found that different oral bacteria had different effects on the tissue, with some leading to disease symptoms. The models also showed potential for studying periodontitis and vascular diseases. Overall, the vascularized gingival tissue models provide an in vitro platform for studying host-microbiome interactions and immune response in periodontal health and disease, and may contribute to the development of new periodontal therapeutics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaming Qi, Feng Gao, Guanghui Sun, Joo Chuan Yeo, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: To enhance the realism and immersion of human-computer interaction, novel haptics technologies are developed to bridge the gap between the physical world and digital environment. The HaptGlove, an untethered and lightweight pneumatic glove, allows users to physically interact in a VR environment, providing natural and realistic kinesthetic and cutaneous sensations. Through a user study, significant improvements in VR realism and immersion are observed, with participants achieving 78.9% accuracy in sorting virtual objects of different stiffnesses. Importantly, HaptGlove facilitates VR training, education, entertainment, and socialization.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuwen Chen, Shicheng Fan, Henryk Chan, Zheng Qiao, Jiaming Qi, Zixiong Wu, Joo Chuan Yeo, Chwee Teck Lim
Summary: Flexible wearable devices and medical robotics are crucial for smart healthcare. Liquid metal materials have emerged as key elements for these innovations. This review discusses the latest breakthroughs in liquid metal functionalization and their applications in healthcare-related wearables and soft robotics.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
