South Korean researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed an electronic health monitor tattoo ink made of liquid metal and carbon nanotubes that function as bio electrodes
According to reports, the tattoo automatically alerts users to potential health problems, if the science team’s project bears fruit. Hooked up to an electrocardiogram (ECG) device or other biosensor, it can send readout of a patient’s heart rate and other vital signs such glucose and lactate to a monitor.
The researchers eventually aim to be able to dispense with biosensors. “In the future, what we hope to do is connect a wireless chip integrated with this ink, so that we can communicate, or we can send signal back and forth between our bodies to an external device,” said project leader Steve Park, a materials science and engineering professor.
The ink is non-invasive and made from particles based on gallium, a soft, silvery metal also used in semiconductors or in thermometers. Platinum-decorated carbon nanotubes help conduct electricity while providing durability. “When it is applied to the skin, even with rubbing the tattoo doesn’t come off, which is not possible with just liquid metal,” Park said.
