High-tech jumper being developed in Portugal promises to help those living with atopic dermatitis

A technological jumper is being developed in Vila Nova de Famalicão, at CeNTI — the Centre for Nanotechnology and Technical, Functional and Intelligent Materials — which promises to transform the lives of people living with atopic dermatitis, reports Recuperar Portugal, adding that this innovative garment is being developed under the HfPT — Health From Portugal Mobilising Agenda, a project funded by the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) that brings together science, nanotechnology and functional textiles to create clothing with therapeutic benefits.

Notably, this unique jumper represents just one of more than 100 innovative solutions planned under the HfPT Agenda, with an investment of over 90 million euros from the PRR.

A smart orthopaedic sleeve is also being developed for the treatment of lymphoedema — a swelling most common in the arms and legs that can affect up to 40% of women following breast cancer. It is a device that integrates sensors to simulate lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce swelling and improve mobility, according to a publication bearing the PRR Portal seal, which aims to closely monitor implementation of the plan, in partnership with the implementing entities, beneficiaries, government departments and the European Commission.

This initiative, led by CeNTI — the Centre for Nanotechnology and Technical, Functional and Intelligent Materials, aims to bring together comfort, aesthetics and health.

As for the unique jumper, it was designed for everyday use and carefully conceived to minimise atopic dermatitis — a chronic inflammatory condition with symptoms such as itchy, cracked, inflamed and red skin — which affects around 1.6% of adults and 14.4% of children and young people.

It stands out for its seamless construction, which prevents friction against the skin, and for incorporating fibres with regenerative additives capable of preventing infections and accelerating skin recovery, as highlighted in the report on this textile innovation. “The finishing includes nanocapsules with natural active ingredients — substances extracted from plants with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties — which are released in a controlled manner and absorbed by the skin, acting directly on the affected areas,” said Recuperar Portugal.

Put simply: the fibres used contain additives that aid skin regeneration and help prevent infections, and the finishing incorporates nanocapsules with natural, plant-derived active ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. As CeNTI explains in a statement: “When released onto the skin in controlled doses, this active agent is absorbed, acting directly on the affected areas, such as itching or skin lesions,” concluded CeNTI.

CeNTI is a private, non-profit, multisectoral and multidisciplinary Technology and Innovation Centre (CTI) recognised by ANI — Agência Nacional de Inovação (National Innovation Agency), equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and provides all the information on its website.