Potential of Germanium-Titanium-\(\pi\) Polymer Composites as Functional Textiles in Improving Blood Circulation and Sexual Satisfaction

Abstract

Far infrared (FIR) treatment emerges as an interesting approach to enhance the microcirculation system of the human body. FIR functionality can be integrated as an active textile, which provides FIR exposure for continuous use and can be thus considered as a potential non-pharmacological therapy in patients with peripheral vascular disorders by frequently improving the blood flow. This chapter aims to demonstrate the characteristics and quality of germanium-titanium-\(\pi\) (Ge-Ti-\(\pi\)) textile, manufactured as a patch and underpants, as a promising novel polymer composite for better blood circulation of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and experiencing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED), respectively. The immediate and long-term effects of the applied Ge-Ti-\(\pi\) textile have been evaluated. The Ge-Ti-\(\pi\) textile has been demonstrated to have 0.93 FIR emissivity, 3.05 g/d strength, and 18.98% elongation along with a 51.6% bacteria reduction and negative fungal growth. The Ge-Ti-\(\pi\) patch significantly reduced limb numbness/pain (p < 0.001) and pain score on the visual analog scale (p < 0.001) in patients receiving HD. Additionally, the Doppler ultrasound assessment data showed a significant enhancement of blood flow in the right hand after 1 week of Ge-Ti-\(\pi\) patch treatment (p < 0.041). Furthermore, the Ge-Ti-\(\pi\) underpants treatment significantly enhanced the quality of sexual function and the average penile blood flow velocity after 3 months of the treatment in VED patients. Summarily, the results suggest that the Ge-Ti-\(\pi\) textile application could be helpful for patients with impaired blood circulation.