Textile-Based Antenna for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Tissue Properties in Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Globally, digestive system disorders rank high in mortality causes, with early detection being critical to improving patient outcomes—potentially yielding survival rates of up to 91% in localized stages. Conventional diagnostic methods, however, tend to be invasive, time-consuming, and may lack precision, as they typically involve internal examination tools. To address these limitations, a non-invasive wearable textile antenna has been designed to detect tissue abnormalities from the body’s exterior. This antenna employs a metamaterial absorber to reduce electromagnetic exposure and integrates a copper patch with a jeans-fabric substrate, making it wearable and comfortable when attached to clothing. Simulations conducted with both healthy and abnormal tissue models indicate significant differences in return loss, gain, and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) in the presence of abnormal tissues. Further testing with abnormal tissues placed in varied locations (left, bottom, top, and right) shows that the antenna maintains consistent detection performance. Detection is enabled by key differences in tissue characteristics, such as permittivity and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The fabric’s flexibility allows the antenna to bend easily, maintaining its performance, which supports its application in wireless body area networks (WBAN) for continuous health monitoring. Both simulation and physical testing results demonstrate the promise of this wearable antenna in non-invasive biomedical applications, including free-space and body-attached uses.

Specification

Description:The innovation centers on a cutting-edge wearable textile antenna designed for the non-invasive assessment of tissue properties. This antenna leverages advanced materials and engineering techniques to enable the detection of biological abnormalities from the surface of the skin, addressing the limitations of conventional diagnostic approaches.
Structural Overview
The antenna is composed of three primary layers:
1. Conductive Patch: The uppermost layer consists of a conductive patch made from copper, which is vital for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals. The patch measures 90 mm x 90 mm with a thickness of 0.035 mm, facilitating effective interaction with electromagnetic waves.
2. Substrate: Beneath the patch lies a jeans-fabric substrate, measuring 90 mm x 90 mm x 1 mm. This substrate is engineered with a relative permittivity of 1.7 and a loss tangent of 0.025, optimizing the antenna's performance by enhancing signal absorption while minimizing energy loss.
3. Ground Plane: The foundation of the antenna features a ground plane, also crafted from copper. This layer functions to stabilize and reflect electromagnetic waves, increasing the
antenna's sensitivity to variations in tissue properties.
Operating Mechanism
The textile antenna utilizes electromagnetic absorption principles to interact with the biological tissues beneath it. When positioned on the body, it analyzes critical parameters such as permittivity and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to distinguish between healthy and abnormal tissue, which is crucial for the early identification of various health issues.
Compatibility with Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs)
This antenna is designed to integrate seamlessly with wireless body area networks, allowing for real-time data transmission to external monitoring devices. This functionality facilitates continuous health monitoring without requiring invasive procedures, enabling healthcare professionals to access timely information for better clinical decision-making.
Potential Applications and Advantages
The wearable textile antenna offers a range of applications in the medical field, including:
 Early Detection of Health Issues: By facilitating the early identification of tissue abnormalities, this technology has the potential to significantly improve patient care.
 User Comfort and Convenience: The textile nature of the antenna allows for easy integration into everyday garments, enhancing user comfort and encouraging regular monitoring.
 Affordable Diagnostic Alternative: This innovative solution presents a cost-effective option compared to traditional diagnostic methods, making health monitoring more accessible.
, Claims:Claim 1: A wearable textile antenna for non-invasive monitoring of tissue characteristics, comprising:
 a copper patch layer for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals,
 a flexible fabric substrate with specific permittivity and loss tangent properties to optimize signal absorption,
 and a copper ground plane, enabling detection of tissue property variations such as permittivity and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).
Claim 2: The antenna system of Claim 1, designed to integrate with wireless body area networks (WBANs) for continuous real-time health monitoring and data transmission to remote devices.
Claim 3: The antenna system of Claim 1, configured to adapt to body movements and suitable for integration into clothing, allowing comfortable, non-invasive health monitoring without loss of signal quality.

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