Medical textiles and biomaterials for healthcare

Medical textiles and biomaterials are a significant and increasingly important part of the technical textiles industry. They cover a huge range of applications – from diapers and surgical gowns; to substrates for electronic sensoring of vital life signs, external use as wound care and internal use as implantables for biodegradable post-operative support systems. They can also be used in the replacement of body parts through tissue engineering by supplying the structure for the growth of new cells. Even the humble plaster has the potential to deliver a powerful health care effect through its specific skin care characteristics, and controlled delivery of medications.