Digital Tattoos: The Medical Device of the Future?

An electronic tattoo is an electronic device that is attached to the skin's surface and transmits data remotely.It consists of a flexible substrate, microsensors, conductive elements, a power supply, and a communication module, yet is incredibly flexible and thin, measuring just a few micrometers thick. This is achieved through nanotechnology and the use of new materials. 

The electronic tattoo is in close contact with human skin, allowing biometric data to be read with high accuracy. 

These electronic tattoos can monitor heart rate, body temperature, glucose levels, and analyze the chemical composition of blood, sweat, and saliva. Two fields—medicine and sports—have pioneered the use of this device, where monitoring the body's condition is crucial. 

Advantages of electronic tattoos:  

• Comfort and discreetness (no discomfort, virtually invisible on the body)  

• Accurate measurements  

• Durability and water resistance (electronic tattoos can be worn for several days to several weeks, and are completely waterproof) 

But besides the advantages, there are also disadvantages:  

• Energy problem (the problem is to ensure long-term operation of the device, but at the same time maintain the format of thinness and flexibility) 

• Biocompatibility and safety (contact with the skin is very close, so all materials used must be safe, not release toxic substances and not affect the natural processes in the skin. So far, clinical studies have shown good results, but long-term effects have not been studied) 

• Cost and availability (expensive materials and equipment are used for production, therefore the cost of electronic tattoos is currently too high and is only available for research and specialized medical applications). 

The first prototype of this device was developed back in 2011 under the supervision of Professor John Rogers at the University of Illinois, which became the basis for all other developments. 

Currently, the development of electronic tattoos is being carried out by technology giants (such as Google (Verily), Samsung, Apple) and research institutes (Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and young companies. 

For now, electronic tattoos seem like a distant future for society. The electronic tattoo industry is expected to undergo dramatic changes in the next 5-10 years, as the technology is on the verge of leaving research labs and becoming available to the mass market.