Pattern Changes in Cotton Fabrics Functionalized with Lactate-Responsive Polymers

Abstract

This study explored the responses of cotton fabrics functionalized with lactate-responsive and non-responsive polymers, focusing on color and pattern changes. Circular samples, conjugated with lactate-responsive polymers and stained with indigotrisulfonate, showed distinct color shifts from blue to colorless as lactate concentration increased. This effect was linked to dye release triggered by lactate binding to boronic acid groups in the polymer. In contrast, samples with non-responsive polymers displayed minimal color changes. RGB analysis of photographs revealed significant R-value shifts in lactate-responsive samples, suggesting potential for semi-quantitative lactate detection via simple measurements. Additionally, facial pattern samples visualized the lactate response, transforming a smiling face into a crying face with rising lactate levels. Similar results were observed with another anionic dye, Acid Red 18. These findings demonstrate the promise of designing wearable lactate sensors that enable easy, burden-free monitoring.

Keywords: Lactic acid, Lactate, Cotton fabric, Boronic acid, Smart textile, Pattern change