World-leading materials science experts will develop synthetic polymeric fibres (polyester, nylon) that integrate nanoparticles to create customized mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Biologists and biomedical engineers will develop textile-based electrodes that enhance regenerative medicine, wound healing, and deep brain stimulation to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson disease. Following the construction of these biomaterials, researchers integrate smart components seamlessly into textiles and garments, enabling them to sense bodily changes (i.e., heart function, temperature, movement), generate energy (ambient radio frequencies, patient movement), transmit data, and deliver therapeutic interventions.

Researchers will gauge the effects of designed technologies on clinical outcomes and delivery of care. Care pathways will be developed to integrate the technologies into rehabilitative procedures by establishing clinical decision rules, initiating validation studies, and integrating data into clinical databases. Once the information has been collected, researchers will use machine learning algorithms to analyze smart garment data and develop closed-loop systems. These will enable the garments to respond to stimuli and deliver responsive therapeutic interventions.