Chapter 11 Bio-based hybrid aerogels for wearable electronics in healthcare applications

Wearable sensors, as personal portable devices, offer an advanced means of diagnosing different diseases by leveraging their genetic, physical, and chemical detecting proficiencies. It can be accomplished continuously and in an instantaneous fashion by capturing the individual's physiologic eminences and pathophysiological data. Despite being in the early stages of development, significant efforts have been made toward further progress in application of flexible polymeric strain sensors in wearable technologies. The bio-based polymers have attracted significant attention as potential materials for producing flexible wearables owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, environmentally favorable characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, other methods have been proposed to construct effective structures, including films, hydrogels, aerogels, ferrogels, 3D layers, electrospun mats, and textiles. This article provides an overview of several techniques utilized in the engineering of wearable sensors and the benefits discovered for bio-based polymers specifically focusing on the research conducted on the production of wearable sensors using natural materials. The text emphasizes the significance of cellulose, chitosan, silk, gelatine, and alginate in sensing capabilities. Consequently, the review has shown new possibilities for wearable sensors that utilize natural polymers. The expectation is that the next generation of sensors will be developed by integrating the latest advancements achieved through the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly components and smaller sensor designs.