Bio-Compatibility For Intelligent Textiles
New Substances Must Be Compatible With A Human Carrier
Novel textiles, which detect various parameters of the human body and enable a continuous monitoring of pulse beat, blood pressure or body temperature, must have a high compatibility. Especially in the area of fitness this type of textile becomes of increasing importance. The composition, the production process and, of course, the finished product are hardly marketable without real bio-compatibility.
Since these materials are mostly in direct contact with the skin, the question of biological compatibility is extremely important, writes Dr. Corinna Petsch from the ‘senetic healthcare group’ in the specialist magazine ‘Coating International‘. Human perspiration, for example, can attack the textiles and remove critical substances from the tissue due to its composition. These can easily penetrate through the open pores and the direct skin contact , thus causing undesirable various side effects (also trigger illnesses and allergies).
What Does Compatibility With Textiles Actually Mean?
Bio-compatible materials and substances are described to do not have a demonstrable negative influence on organisms and living beings in their environment. In the manufacturing process, there are three different standards (tolerant, bioniert and bioactive) which have a decisive influence on the final product.
Biotolerant products can remain permanently on or in the body without having a toxic effect. In contrast, low interactions can occur with ‘bioniert’ substances – all within the limit values. Bioactive materials, on the other hand, intentionally interact with tissues and bones. Corresponding coatings of the end products can also possibly – intentionally or unintentionally – influence these properties.
Test Procedures For Risk Assessment
Various in vitro and in vivo tests are available for the detection of biological compatibility, which must take the nature of the contact, the duration of contact and the general risk potential into account. An approach that is also a vital part of the product development at Weserland. All, of course, since biological and environmental compatibility and sustainability are increasingly in the focus of modern products and will be absolutely indispensable in the future.
In the case of signs of negative interactions, any material selection should clearly be reconsidered. Passing those tests mentioned is crucial for the success of products, since only an irritation-free wearing of textiles will be accepted and can finally be marketed.
It is clear that measures need to be taken in advance to avoid any kind of incompatibility. This ultimately also saves time and money. If, during the course of the investigations, it becomes clear that a raw material, compound or material is not compatible, this can have an effect on the entire development process – if necessary, require a complete restart of the project!
Photo: SciePro
