Buzz
Engineers at the University of Texas are crafting a biosensor that is affordable, disposable, and high-tech, drawing inspiration from temporary tattoo designs.
The team aims to replace traditional devices like electrocardiograms (ECG), used to monitor heart activity, and electroencephalograms (EEG), which track brain activity, with a sleek, credit card-sized patch that could be worn for up to a week. These patches are printed on tattoo-like adhesives that can be easily applied to the skin. The sensors themselves are made from cost-effective, industrial-grade metal using a customizable cutter that can shape patches in various sizes and forms.
Currently in the prototype stage, the patches are expected to not only provide a cheaper alternative to traditional biosensors but also offer exceptional versatility. As Smithsonian explains, “The patches could measure skin hydration, respiration rate, and eye movement, and eventually monitor blood pressure and oxygen levels, catering to a wide range of patients, from pregnant women to athletes.”
Before this medical breakthrough can be realized, researchers must first tackle a major obstacle in mass production: making the patch wireless. In a world where wireless technology is increasingly expected in our devices, Bluetooth chip manufacturers have yet to produce chips small enough for the biosensor patches. Thankfully, the team is exploring an alternative solution: a coin-sized wireless device that can be attached to the patch.
“One of the most appealing features of epidermal electronics is their disposability,” researcher Nanshu Lu told UT News. “If we can produce them at a low cost, say around $1, more people will have access to them and be able to use them more often. This could pave the way for a variety of mobile medical applications and much more.”
