South Korea develops nanotech tattoo as health monitoring device

DAEJEON, Aug 2 (Reuters) – South Koreans could quickly have the ability to carry a tool inside their very own our bodies within the type of a bespoke tattoo that routinely alerts them to potential well being issues, if a science crew’s mission bears fruit.

Researchers on the Korea Superior Institute of Science and Know-how (KAIST) within the metropolis of Daejeon southwest of Seoul have developed an digital tattoo ink manufactured from liquid metallic and carbon nanotubes that capabilities as a bioelectrode.

Hooked as much as an electrocardiogram (ECG) system or different biosensor, it may ship a readout of a affected person’s coronary heart fee and different important indicators such glucose and lactate to a monitor.

The researchers finally purpose to have the ability to dispense with biosensors.

“Sooner or later, what we hope to do is join a wi-fi chip built-in with this ink, in order that we will talk, or we will ship sign forwards and backwards between our physique to an exterior system,” mentioned mission chief Steve Park, a supplies science and engineering professor.

Such screens might in principle be positioned wherever, together with in sufferers’ properties.

The ink is non-invasive and created from particles primarily based on gallium, a gentle, silvery metallic additionally utilized in semiconductors or in thermometers. Platinum-decorated carbon nanotubes assist conduct electrical energy whereas offering sturdiness.

“When it’s utilized to the pores and skin, even with rubbing the tattoo would not come off, which isn’t doable with simply liquid metallic,” Park mentioned.

Reporting by Minwoo Park, Daewoung Kim; modifying by John Stonestreet

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