2D materials as advanced textile finishing for healthcare applications: A comprehensive review

Following the isolation of graphene in the early twenty-first century, research on two-dimensional (2D) materials expanded rapidly, establishing a broad platform for chemistry-driven device innovation. These atomically thin systems, with exceptionally high surface-to-volume ratios, exhibit distinctive chemical, physical, and mechanical responses that are directly relevant to healthcare technologies. Their integration into smart textiles offers a promising route towards unobtrusive, continuous physiological monitoring and personalised interventions informed by real-time data analytics. This review systematically examines recent and representative applications of 2D materials in health-oriented smart textiles. First, the intrinsic properties that make these materials suitable for wearable health devices are outlined, followed by the analysis of the structural characteristics and transduction mechanisms relevant to textile embodiments. Particular focus is placed on methods for integrating sensors and electronics into everyday clothing, enabling early detection of health issues with minimal disruption to daily routines. The review also assesses current challenges, including the scalability of synthesis, long-term durability, biocompatibility, and regulatory acceptance, and outlines future research directions to facilitate the clinical adoption of this technology.