Tattoos That Can Save Lives

I am diabetic, so I watch news for innovative ways to prevent, treat and monitor the disease.  As a geek who types a lot and a violinist who relies on fingertips, finger pricking causes constant pain and tenderness no matter how careful or creative I am.  Other methods aren't as accurate or reliable, so this remains the method most people use.  It sucks.


But there is an app for that.

Dr. Heather Clark, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Northeastern University, is leading the research on the sub-dermal sensors. She said she was reminded of the benefits of real-time, wearable health monitoring when she entered a marathon in Vermont: If they become mass-produced and affordable for the consumer market, wireless devices worn on the body could tell you exactly what medication you need whenever you need it.

Here’s how it works: a 100 nanometer-wide set of sensors go under the skin, like tattoo ink – as for the size, “You can spot it if you’re looking for it,” Clark says. The sensors are encased in an oily agent to ensure the whole contraption stays together.

Within the implant, certain nanoparticles will bind exclusively to specific blood contents, like sodium or glucose. Thanks to an additive that makes the particles charge neutral, the presence of a target triggers an ion release, which manifests as a florescence change. The process is detailed in an article published in the journal Integrative Biology. 

Right now the iPhone is the only device with the capability to read the light reflecting off the sensors, but if this becomes widespread that will surely change.  The concept of building this into a cell phone not only has medical potential but advances the notion that we will eventually have a single device for all everyday functions.  A digital butler that can call, monitor, report and document our lives and activities.  It isn't too much of stretch for your phone to tell you how much insulin to take, order refills as necessary, report information back to doctors.  This is also why we must be so careful to shape technology instead of the other way around.  It is why we must cover this information under protected information so it can't be viewed without permission or stolen without serious consequences.

It's still good news and a major move in the right direction.  Our fingertips are sensitive and rich with blood, which is what makes them ideal to monitor immediate changes in blood sugar.  It is also what makes it so painful and hard to do.  I've checked my sugar for years and I still flinch every time.  This is wonderful, and I hope it only opens more doors to improvement.