Scientists have been
studying and developing “biomarkers” for years. The definition of biomarker is
“a
measurable substance in an organism whose presence is indicative of some
phenomenon such as disease, infection, or environmental exposure.” These substances
present an excellent method of detection and control of processes in the human
body. These substances can be detected with “biosensors” which respond to the
presence of these substances and react to them.
At Harvard University
and MIT scientists have been working to incorporate these biosensors into
tattoo. These sensors change color based on the amount of molecules such as
sodium, glucose, and hydrogen are present in our bodies as well as the respond
to change in relative pH values. The biosensors are colorimetric and
fluorescent and were tested on segments of pigskin. The biosensors require no
energy to be powered and have not affected the integrity of the tattoos in the
current studies.
One of the most
prolific uses for this new technology is for diabetics. The ability to track
blood sugar without constantly drawing blood and applying it to a testing
instrument could be revolutionary to all those affected by the disease. These
tattoos don’t necessarily need to be visible.They can be invisible and appear
in unison with a negative symptom, or they could use wearable technology to
track it.
The potential for the combination of
technology and permanent additions to the human body could revolutionize our
understanding of health.This relationship does not end at wearable technology.
This could create a new industry of implantable technology that could be
monitored both in the home setting and in the hospital. This would allow for
medical information to be tracked more efficiently and precisely and save many
lives.
These tattoos do not only have to
serve a medical purpose. The MIT researchers have also created temporary
tattoos that can store scannable information and even control remote devices.
Gold leaf tattoos are collected to electrodes which allow near-field
communication tags to relay spatial information electronically by tracking the
electric resistance of your finger.
A biosensor tattoo from MIT
Works Cited
https://www.dezeen.com/2017/06/01/mit-researchers-tattoo-inks-act-health-trackers-design-technology/
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