Researchers have shown that electrospun materials have many advantages over conventional bulk materials for the development of wearables. Electrospun materials’ high surface-to-volume ratio endows them with enhanced porosity and breathability, which is important for long-term wearability. Also, with the appropriate blend of polymers, they can achieve superior biocompatibility.

Conductive electrospun nanofibers provide high surface area electrodes, enabling both flexibility and performance improvements, including rapid charging and high energy storage capacities. Also, their nanoscale features mean they adhere well to the skin without need for chemical adhesives.

Electrospinning is considerably less expensive and more user-friendly than photolithography for realizing nanoscale transistor morphologies with superior electronic transport. The researchers are confident that electrospinning will further establish its claim as a versatile, feasible, and inexpensive technique for the fabrication of wearable devices in the coming years.

They note that there are areas for improvement to be considered, including broadening the choice for materials and improving the ease of integration with human physiology. They suggest the aesthetics of wearables may be improved by making them smaller and, perhaps, with the incorporation of transparent materials, almost invisible.

Article source: Medical Design Briefs