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Biocompatible Electrospun Biomaterials for Advancing Thermoregulating Wearable Sensors in Next-Generation Smart
Sandra Varnaitė-Žuravliova1, Žaneta Rukuižienė1, Virginija Skurkytė-Papievienė1
1Department of Textile Technologies, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Demokratų str. 53, LT-48485 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Sustainable electrospun biomaterials offer flexible, multifunctional wearable textiles for thermal regulation and sensing. These advanced materials address electronic waste while enhancing comfort and performance for next-generation smart clothing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing electronic waste necessitates sustainable, biocompatible materials for wearable devices.
- Electrospun biomaterials provide flexible, high-surface-area substrates for advanced textiles.
- Wearable sensors require materials supporting thermal regulation, moisture management, and integrated sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of electrospun biomaterials in creating multifunctional wearable textiles.
- To explore strategies for thermal regulation and sensor integration in smart textiles.
- To highlight opportunities for sustainable, high-performance next-generation wearable technologies.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of natural (silk fibroin, cellulose, chitosan) and synthetic (PCL, PLA, PVDF) polymers.
- Fabrication of nanofibrous mats with tunable porosity and surface area.
- Integration of phase-change materials, hydrogels, and conductive nanofibers for thermoregulation and sensing.
Main Results:
- Electrospun biomaterial mats support thermal regulation, moisture management, and sensing (pressure, temperature, humidity, chemical).
- Nature-inspired designs and hybrid composites enhance passive and active thermoregulation.
- Wearable textiles maintain wearer comfort, breathability, and skin safety.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun biomaterials are key to developing sustainable, multifunctional wearable textiles.
- Challenges in durability, washability, and scalability need to be addressed for widespread adoption.
- Future wearable textiles will combine sustainability, adaptive thermal management, and advanced sensing capabilities.
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