From Toy Slime to Medical Sensors
UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic Engineers Develop Safe, Paint-On Electronics for Skin-Based Health Monitoring
Researchers at UC Irvine have pioneered a groundbreaking nontoxic, ultra-flexible silver ink that can be applied directly to the skin, creating wearable medical devices, such as heart monitors and wireless communication patches in minutes. This innovative technology, inspired by child-safe slime and utilizing simple materials like glue and borax, brings high-performance health monitoring closer to everyday use.
The project was led by Dr. Michelle Khine of the UC Irvine Department of Biomedical Engineering and Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic. Her team developed a water-based ink that uniquely combines high conductivity, stretchability, and skin safety—characteristics that are typically challenging to achieve simultaneously. Unlike conventional wearable devices that rely on rigid wires and potentially irritating adhesives, this ink forms a soft, seamless layer that flexes with the body, maintaining functionality even during activities, such as running, swimming, or bending.
In laboratory tests, the ink was successfully used to create flexible ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors and NFC (near-field communication) antennas. These devices performed comparably to commercial monitors but offered superior comfort and resistance to motion artifacts—signal distortions caused by movement. The waterborne nature of the ink, free from toxic solvents, enhances the safety for skin contact and sustainability for widespread use.
Dr. Khine’s research exemplifies the translational approach championed at UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, focusing on the development of fast, accessible technologies that could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient comfort. By transforming a simple material into a powerful health monitoring tool, the researchers are paving the way for personalized, on-skin electronics in clinics, homes, and various other settings.
Click here to read full article published in Sensors (Basel).
