Gesundheit · Tattootrends · Oct 09, 2020

Tattooed biosensors - tattoo ink as an indicator of changes in the body

Tätowierte Biosensoren - Tattootinte als Indikator für Veränderungen im Körper

Tattooed biosensors - tattoo ink as an indicator of changes in the body

A tattoo as a biosensor: Imagine that your tattoo could change color using the mood, body temperature, pH value or blood sugar levels. Is this a futuristic dream for organicackers or could the technology actually make the life of diabetics easier at some point and revolutionize the tattoo world? So far, the idea has not yet been ready for the market, teams of research at the Technical University of Munich, and on Harvard University have already set the foundation stone for technology. We explain briefly how ink with color changes are possible and why such a tattoo could be relevant in the medical field, especially in the medical field:

This is how tattoos work with biosensors

Diabetes is a widespread common disease. Affected people have to measure their blood sugar levels regularly and counteract quickly if the mirror is too low. So far, a prick in the finger with a special measuring device is necessary. The so -called Dermal Abyss Ink If this function takes over and contains organic sensors that can display changes in the tissue fluid of the cells. The colored sensors are brought into the dermis like a normal tattoo. Each metabolic value is displayed with a different color indicator:

What values can be measured by the tattoo?

PH sensor: From pink to purple
Glucose sensor: From blue to brown
Sodium sensor: flouresized under UV light stronger or weaker
Albumin sensor: From yellow to green

Tattoos instead of wearables

Portable technologies for monitoring body functions, so -called Wearable, people with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes could help in the future to make their everyday life more normal and to be warned of risks at an early stage. As the name suggests, wearables are carried permanently and must be treated gently. A biosensor as a tattoo cannot be destroyed by damage, moisture or other influences. In addition, tattoos are no longer noticeable after the jump -off - compared to classic wearables, tattoos with biosensors have some advantages.

Possible disadvantages of biosensor tattoos

So far, the color gradations of the individual sensor values are still too inaccurate to use them for medical purposes. For example, if a diabetic is shown a low blood sugar without precise values, it could be too late to be able to initiate countermeasures without help.
So far, skin compatibility has only been tested on pig's skin. In order to be able to spread the sensors on the market, developers consider animal testing necessary. You can find out which alternatives for animal experiments in science are already here.
In order to test the long -term effect of the indicator scenes, research will still need at least 10 years. The biosensor tattoos remain science fiction for the time being.

Which values can theoretically be measured on the skin?

EKG
Heart rate
Breathing frequency
Temperature of the skin
Pedometer
glucose
PH value
humidity
Hormone levels
albumin

The biosensor tattoo as body jewelry

For diabetics and people with cardiovascular diseases that have to be constantly monitored, a biosensor in the form of a beautiful tattoo would certainly be a nice alternative to previous measurement methods. But what about healthy people? Could tattoo colors with Flip-flop lacquer effect Hold down in every tattoo studio and initiate completely new trends? Theoretically stands Tattoo colors with color change Nothing in the way. In practice, of course, there is a tattoo regulation in Germany, which fortunately prevents experimental substances from being stabbed under the skin. If you want a tattoo that changes according to your mood or physical condition, you will have to be patient for a few more years.

What could a biosensor tattoo look like?

Spacetoos are a new trend: planets, galaxies and star clusters can of course be designed with changing colors colorful and colorful.
Diabetics and organic fans could in future be colored by colorful Mandalas read off.
Also mechanical motifs Theoretically would be conceivable with color changes.
Unfortunately, color gradients in the biosensor technology are not possible, so the indicator motif should be as simple as possible.
Tattoos for medical purposes should always be designed in single -color and not framed with black contours. In this way, results can be seen in an unadulterated manner.

Alternatives to the biosensor tattoo

In addition to biosensor tattoos, numerous different wearables and techniques for monitoring body function are currently being tested. Some products like that Intelligent T-shirt with integrated EKG are already available on the market today. It is also used to work on indicator plasters. For patients who only have to monitor their values temporarily, these flexible solutions may be more attractive than a tattoo that remains under the skin for life and may remind its wearer of a bad time that he would rather forget.

Conclusion: Tattoos with biosensors are possible!

At the moment, biosensor tattoos are only used in the laboratory. It will take a few more years to belong to everyday life of diabetes patients.
Cosmetic tattoos with biosensors may be a questionable trend earlier. However, it will also take a while before the harmless biosensor color is available on the market.
No experiments! Do not let any questionable fabrics stab under the skin as long as they are not tested and certified.
Colors with color changes are not for animal lovers: Numerous animal experiments from various institutions will most likely be carried out for the development.