Home / Research

E-Tattoos: Toward Functional but Imperceptible Interfacing with Human Skin

Hongbian Li, Philip Tan, Yifan Rao, Sarnab Bhattacharya, Zheliang Wang, Sangjun Kim, Susmita Gangopadhyay, Hongyang Shi, Matija Jankovic, Heeyong Huh, Zhengjie Li, Pukar Maharjan, Jonathan Wells, Hyoyoung Jeong, Yaoyao Jia, Nanshu Lu

Chemical Reviews, Mar 11, 2024

The human body continuously emits physiological and psychological information from head to toe. Wearable electronics capable of noninvasively and accurately digitizing this information without compromising user comfort or mobility have the potential to revolutionize telemedicine, mobile health, and both human–machine or human–metaverse interactions. However, state-of-the-art wearable electronics face limitations regarding wearability and functionality due to the mechanical incompatibility between conventional rigid, planar electronics and soft, curvy human skin surfaces. E-Tattoos, a unique type of wearable electronics, are defined by their ultrathin and skin-soft characteristics, which enable noninvasive and comfortable lamination on human skin surfaces without causing obstruction or even mechanical perception. This review article offers an exhaustive exploration of e-tattoos, accounting for their materials, structures, manufacturing processes, properties, functionalities, applications, and remaining challenges. We begin by summarizing the properties of human skin and their effects on signal transmission across the e-tattoo-skin interface. Following this is a discussion of the materials, structural designs, manufacturing, and skin attachment processes of e-tattoos. We classify e-tattoo functionalities into electrical, mechanical, optical, thermal, and chemical sensing, as well as wound healing and other treatments. After discussing energy harvesting and storage capabilities, we outline strategies for the system integration of wireless e-tattoos. In the end, we offer personal perspectives on the remaining challenges and future opportunities in the field.

Similar Research

Brachistochrone Bowl-Inspired Hybrid Nanogenerator Integrated with Physio-Electrochemical Multi-Sensors for Self-Sustainable Smart Pool Monitoring Systems

Brachistochrone Bowl-Inspired Hybrid Nanogenerator Integrated with Physio-Electrochemical Multi-Sensors for Self-Sustainable Smart Pool Monitoring Systems

Advanced Energy Materials, Jan 26 2023

Maintaining clean and fresh pool water requires regular monitoring and treatment. However, the employed methods are manual, complex, and time-consuming. Herein, we proposed a self-sustainable autonomous smart pool monitoring system that can continuously mon...

A 3D Printed Compact and Intelligent Power Module Based on Vibration Energy Harvester Integrated with Self-Powered Triboelectric Sensor for Industry 4.0 IoT Applications

A 3D Printed Compact and Intelligent Power Module Based on Vibration Energy Harvester Integrated with Self-Powered Triboelectric Sensor for Industry 4.0 IoT Applications

Advanced Material Technologies, Oct 17 2022

In industry 4.0, continuous condition monitoring is essential to keep the system well maintained and stable. However, current monitoring systems demand periodic replacement/recharging of batteries. Herein, a compact vibration-driven intelligent power module...

A High-Performance Rotational Energy Harvester Integrated with Artificial Intelligence-Powered Triboelectric Sensors for Wireless Environmental Monitoring System

A High-Performance Rotational Energy Harvester Integrated with Artificial Intelligence-Powered Triboelectric Sensors for Wireless Environmental Monitoring System

Advanced Engineering Materials, Apr 6 2022

The prevailing energy harvester utilizes a convectional magnet that limits the output power due to the imperfect coupling of the flux linkage and the leakage of the magnetic fluxes away from the coil. Herein, a circular Halbach array magnet comprising the a...

A Siloxene/Ecoflex Nanocomposite-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Enhanced Charge Retention by MoS2/LIG for Self-Powered Touchless Sensor Applications

A Siloxene/Ecoflex Nanocomposite-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Enhanced Charge Retention by MoS2/LIG for Self-Powered Touchless Sensor Applications

Advanced Functional Materials, Mar 17 2022

The contactless triboelectric nanogenerator with the capability of touchless interactions has become extremely fascinating for applications in health care, remote security, and augmented reality. Herein, a Siloxene/Ecoflex nanocomposite-based high-performan...

Polyaniline-nanospines engineered nanofibrous membrane based piezoresistive sensor for high-performance electronic skins

Polyaniline-nanospines engineered nanofibrous membrane based piezoresistive sensor for high-performance electronic skins

Nano Energy, Jan 21 2022

The development of a highly sensitive pressure sensor with a wide linear range is an emerging technological goal in the area of electronic skin (e-skin). Several studies have focused on imitating tactile perception closer to natural skin, however, there rem...