Think about how frustrating it is to have to remain immobile for hours with dozens of electrodes glued to your head during an EEG. An inconvenience that could soon become a memory, thanks to an incredible innovation: an electronic spray tattoo that is applied in a few minutes and monitors the brain for 24 hours without any discomfort.
The Transformation of the Traditional Electroencephalogram
For nearly a century, theelectroencephalogram It has been the primary tool for studying brain activity, and has allowed doctors and scientists to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy and brain trauma. However, the procedure has always had significant limitations, especially regarding patient comfort and ease of use.
The teacher Nanshu Lu ofUniversity of Texas at Austin led a team of researchers towards an innovative solution. The result of their work, published in the journal Cell Bio Materials (I link it here), could represent a turning point in the field of brain monitoring.
The new system is based on a liquid ink which, once sprayed on the scalp, turns into a very thin electronic tattoo. This technology promises to overcome the limitations of traditional EEGs, opening up new possibilities both in the clinical field and in research.
A Technological Leap in Brain Monitoring
The difference with traditional systems is substantial. Instead of having to apply conductive gel and glue electrodes connected to wires, a computer maps the necessary positions and a specialized printer sprays the conductive ink directly onto the patient's head. In a few minutes, the material dries to form a virtually invisible sensor.
“Our advances in sensor design, biocompatible ink and high-speed printing pave the way for future on-body electronic sensor manufacturing,” explains Professor Lu.
The main challenge was to develop materials that were compatible with the scalp. The team created a special ink based on conductive polymers which manages to penetrate the hair and reach the skin, where it solidifies forming a flexible and sensitive film.
Promising results for the future of EEGs
Tests conducted on the first volunteers have provided impressive results. While traditional electrodes began to deteriorate after six hours, with a third ceasing to function completely, the electronic tattoos maintained optimal performance for at least 24 hours.
The team also refined the design to eliminate connecting wires. Ximin He ofUniversity of California at Los Angeles modified the ink formula to print conductive lines that connect the sensors to a small data collection device, maintaining signal integrity without interference.
The next goal is even more ambitious: integrating wireless transmitters directly into tattoos, completely eliminating the need for physical connections.
“Tattooed” EEG: Future Prospects in the Field of Brain-Computer Interfaces
Secondo Jose Millan, another co-author of the study, this technology could have a significant impact not only in diagnoses, but also in the field of brain-computer interfaces. These devices, which translate brain signals into commands for external systems, could become much more practical and accessible thanks to electronic tattoos.
“Our study has the potential to revolutionize the way noninvasive brain-computer interface devices are designed,” he says. Millán.
Electronic tattoo technology is already finding applications in various fields of medicine, from cardiac monitoring to muscle activity control. The extension to brain monitoring represents a further step towards a future where wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated with our bodies.
