In a study published online by the British journal *Flexible Electronics* on the 13th, a team of Chinese and American scientists unveiled an innovative, low-cost method for producing "electronic tattoo" sensors. These ultra-thin metal sensors, just one thousandth of a millimeter thick, can monitor vital health indicators like heart rate and skin temperature. They are applied directly to the skin, offering remarkable flexibility that allows them to conform to the skin’s texture without interfering with natural sweating or body movement.
The "electronic tattoo" works by transmitting various physiological data—such as ECG and EMG signals—to a connected device through a sticker-like patch. It holds great promise in medical applications and human-computer interaction, potentially becoming the ultimate form of wearable technology. However, traditional manufacturing methods using inorganic materials are expensive and time-consuming. A recently developed "cut-and-paste" technique simplifies the process and reduces costs, but it requires the sensor to be attached to medical tape, increasing thickness and reducing breathability.
To address these issues, Lunan Yan from the University of Texas at Austin, along with Huang Yongan from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, and their colleagues have refined the method. They created a low-cost, mesh-like "electronic tattoo" with a total thickness of just 1.5 microns. The process involves pressing a 1.4-micron polyethylene terephthalate sheet onto temporary tattoo transfer paper, followed by the application of a gold particle film. The paper is then cut into custom shapes using a computer-controlled knife, allowing the sensor to be applied to the skin like a temporary tattoo.
This tapeless design offers excellent breathability and flexibility, making it ideal for measuring skin moisture, temperature, and ECG signals—key metrics that can reveal heartbeat and respiration rates. The researchers believe that these tape-free "electronic tattoos" bring us closer to the vision of one-time, disposable wearable technology. With its lightweight and comfortable design, this innovation could revolutionize how we monitor health and interact with digital systems in real time.
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