Researchers Explore Smart Clothes That Can Track Health

University of Georgia study examines potential of MXene-based fabrics to monitor vitals and fight bacteria.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Researchers at the University of Georgia are exploring how clothes can be made 'smart' to track the wearer's health in real-time. The study focuses on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials that can be coated or printed onto fabrics to detect body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and even have antimicrobial properties. Smart textiles could be valuable in healthcare settings and for fitness enthusiasts, but researchers are working to improve durability and sustainability of the materials.

Why it matters

Smart clothing that can monitor health metrics and fight bacteria could have significant implications for healthcare, fitness, and everyday life. As wearable technology becomes more advanced, incorporating these capabilities directly into fabrics opens up new possibilities for continuous health tracking and improved medical outcomes, especially in hospital settings.

The details

The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of hundreds of published studies on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials made from metals that can be coated or printed onto fabrics. MXenes have properties that allow them to detect body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and even have antimicrobial abilities. This makes them ideal for use in smart textiles for healthcare and fitness applications. However, the materials can degrade when exposed to oxygen or water, so the researchers are working to improve durability and develop more sustainable manufacturing processes.

  • The research review was published in March 2026.

The players

Joyjit Ghosh

A doctoral student in the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the corresponding author of the study.

University of Georgia

The university where the researchers are exploring the potential of smart textiles based on MXenes.

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What they’re saying

“MXenes have some advanced properties. Not only can they detect body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, but they are also antimicrobial, making them ideal for hospital settings.”

— Joyjit Ghosh, Doctoral student (Mirage News)

“These MXene-based smart textiles can help prevent bacterial growth. There is always a possibility of bacterial contamination with medical textiles. But if we use MXene-coated textile materials, we will get those antimicrobial properties, which are needed in hospitals.”

— Joyjit Ghosh, Doctoral student (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers are working to reduce oxidation and prepare MXenes using more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to improve the durability and sustainability of the smart textile technology.

The takeaway

Smart clothing that can monitor health metrics and fight bacteria has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, fitness, and everyday life. As wearable technology advances, incorporating these capabilities directly into fabrics opens up new possibilities for continuous health tracking and improved medical outcomes, especially in hospital settings.