Reviews of wearable healthcare systems: Materials, devices and system integration

Abstract

Wearable health monitoring systems are considered as the next generation of personal portable devices for telemedicine practice. These systems are based on monitoring different kinds of biological signals released by human beings through saliva, urine, breathing and epidemic skin perspiration. However, the development and commercialization of wearable healthcare equipment is still at a relatively slow pace, because the construction method of ordinary semiconductor equipment is no longer applicable. Despite these challenges, advances in materials science, chemical analysis techniques, equipment design and manufacturing methods have laid the foundation for a completely different wearable technology, which has led to the continuous evolution of wearable systems over the years. Hence, a comprehensive review in this field is required for the rational design and development of wearable systems for healthcare applications. In this regard, we like to summarize all the major components in wearable healthcare systems and discuss the progress made in this field, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. We think that this review will have a great implication for the wider scientific community which will contribute to the rational design of human health monitoring devices and accelerate the development of flexible electronics.