A Review on Next Generation Smart Textiles: An Emerging Microbe-Based Strategy for Skin Health and Wound Management

Abstract

Background: Next-generation smart textiles represent an advanced class of fabric-based systems designed to actively support skin health and wound management. Unlike conventional textiles and passive wound dressings, these materials integrate sensing elements, responsive biomaterials, and embedded technologies that enable continuous monitoring of key parameters such as temperature, pH, moisture, pressure, and biochemical indicators. This real-time feedback allows early detection of infection, accurate assessment of healing progression, and adaptive therapeutic responses, particularly in the management of chronic and complex wounds. A key aspect of these smart textiles is the incorporation of microorganisms and microbe-derived materials. Components such as bacterial cellulose, probiotic systems, fungal mycelium, and microbial enzymes provide biocompatibility, high moisture retention, antimicrobial activity, and environmental sustainability. These biologically active elements interact with the skin microenvironment and microbiome, supporting barrier integrity, immune regulation, and infection control while reducing dependence on conventional chemical treatments. The development of smart textiles relies on advanced materials and fabrication strategies, including conductive fibers, nanomaterials, responsive polymers, and textile-compatible electronics. Techniques such as weaving and knitting with conductive yarns, surface coating, printing, and additive manufacturing enable the integration of sensors, energy systems, and communication modules without compromising comfort and flexibility. Applications extend beyond wound dressings to wearable platforms for skin protection, pressure ulcer prevention, remote health monitoring, and telemedicine-supported care. Despite their significant potential, challenges remain related to durability, was hability, energy management, cost, data security, and environmental impact. Ongoing research is focused on creating multifunctional, self-powered, and personalized smart textile systems, with emerging interest in artificial intelligence integration and living microbial interfaces. Conclusion: These advances position smart textiles as transformative tools for improving skin health outcomes and modern wound care.