First Electronic Tattoo Printed Directly Onto Skin

Amanda Warren/Activist Post

Ever found yourself wanting a cool barcode tattoo like Agent 17 from the movie Hitman? Consistently looking for new ways to store all your “medical” information directly (quite literally) on your person at all times? Dissatisfied with your VeriChip’s performance?

First there were electronic stick-on tattoos with stretchable batteries – now the electronic sensors can be printed directly onto – and soon into - human skin.

Welcome to the world of “epidermal electronics” as introduced by John Rogers, a materials scientist at the University of Illinois (U-C).

Rogers Group has introduced variations of flexible electronics before, with the group exploring various applications such as batteries, solar cells, and wireless equipment. But the newest innovation allows the ultrathin mesh electronics (essentially a computer) to be placed directly on the surface of the skin, eliminating the need for the elastomer backing previously used as an adhesive.

The concepts have been developed for over 14 years with an aim to have chargeable circuits, wireless reading and connection to phones, iPads and other reading devices. They don’t just detect body temp and skin moisture but even electronic signals from the heart and brain.

Read More HERE