The Future of Health Monitoring: Injectable ‘Smart Tattoos’
Tattoos, one of the oldest forms of art, are evolving beyond aesthetics. Researchers envision a future where tattoos could serve as health monitors and its called “smart tattoos”. In Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, a vast area is earmarked to become the world’s largest green ammonia plant. This development is a significant stride towards a sustainable future, and this article explores its implications.
The Concept of Smart Tattoos
Dr. Ali Yetisen, a researcher at Imperial College London, is pioneering the development of ‘smart tattoos’. These tattoos replace conventional ink with functional materials. The result? Tattoos that change color in response to external stimuli, such as changes in blood sugar levels or kidney and liver functions.
The Journey
Yetisen’s journey began at Harvard Medical School. Along with fellow researchers from Harvard and MIT, he introduced a proof of concept called Dermal Abyss in 2017. This concept involved biosensors that changed color in response to biochemical information in body fluid. Yetisen envisions these technologies as a platform for a wide range of implantable and injectable sensors that can display human conditions in real time.
The External Monitoring of Smart Tattoos
Dr. Carson Bruns’ lab is taking a different approach to smart tattoos, focusing on external health monitoring, while Yetisen’s team is honing in on the internal aspects. Bruns’ team is developing smart tattoos to track exposure to radiation or UV light, a major contributor to skin cancer. They have created a light-sensitive tattoo, dubbed the ‘solar freckle’. This innovative tattoo reveals itself when it comes into contact with UV light. However, it disappears once the individual applies more sunscreen or steps out of the sunlight.
The Commercialization of Smart Tattoos
Bruns’ technology is being commercialized through a company called Magic Ink. This company is exploring potential health uses for smart tattoos, primarily in the field of radiation treatment. Using smart ink, radiation therapists can activate the tattoo for alignment during treatment and then make it disappear until the next treatment.
The Advantages
It offer several advantages over wearable technology. They can’t be hacked or run out of battery. They are also more convenient than implants, which often require invasive surgeries. Dr. Daniel Kraft, founder of NextMed.Health, sees it as a significant player in health and wellness as technology continues to evolve.
The Challenges of Smart Tattoos
Gaining public acceptance for this technology presents a significant challenge for researchers. Cultural stigmas around tattoos and safety concerns about skin injections exist in some societies. Over the next three years, Yetisen’s team will concentrate on conducting human clinical trials. Dermatologists in a hospital setting would carry out the tattoo injections, ensuring a safe and professional environment.
In a nutshell, the development of injectable ‘smart tattoos’ marks a significant step towards a future where human skin could serve as an interactive display for a wide range of biomarker changes. As we move towards a future where health monitoring becomes more personalized and proactive, developments like these serve as a beacon of hope for sustainable living.
