Researchers have developed a temporary, electronic tattoo designed to measure muscle and nerve activity. The development in nanotechnology could result in substantial changes to rehabilitation treatments, other areas of medicine and beyond, according to research published in Scientific Reports.
The device consists of a carbon electrode, an adhesive surface and a nanotechnology-based conductive polymer coating. The recording signal can last for hours and the device is designed to not irritate the skin.
The tool was first developed as an alternative to electromyography, an uncomfortable test developed to examine the health of muscles and nerves. The procedure requires patients to remain sedentary in a lab for multiple hours and often involves needle sticks. The nanotech tattoo can perform the same measurements, but allows the patient to carry on with daily activity. In addition, the device displays potential for a variety of uses.
Yael Hanein, PhD, head of the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Tel Aviv University in Israel, and the technology's developer, said, "The physiological data measured in specific muscles may be used in the future to indicate the alertness of drivers on the road; patients in rehabilitation following stroke or brain injury may utilize the 'tattoo' to improve muscle control; and amputees may employ it to move artificial limbs with remaining muscles."
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