DURHAM, N.C. -- Researchers on Monday said printable electronic sensors could have a number of uses both within and outside the world of medicine.

  • An inkjet-style printer can print ink containing tiny electronics
  • The ink can be printed onto skin, like a temporary tattoo
  • The ink can contain sensors to read biometrics such as hormone levels or blood sugar

Duke University PhD students Nick Williams and Hsi Heng Lu developed the technique over about 18 months. They said they mix tiny electronics into an ink compound made from mixtures such as carbon nanotubes. Lu said the printer itself is similar in principle to an inkjet printer. It can print onto delicate surfaces including leaves and human skin. The ink washes off after a week or two.

Williams said scientists want to find a way to develop sensors that can be customized to a patient's specific needs. For example, he said a lactate sensor printed onto a person's skin can measure stress levels. He said the idea differs from a hospital barcode bracelet because it's used for temporary measurements of vitals rather than containing patient information.

Duke University electrical engineering Prof. Aaron Franklin said the technology is still a few years away from field use. Once it's perfected, he said the printable electronics could be used for non-medical purposes as well. He said examples include smart business cards or surface-mounted electronics that augment the internals on a smart phone.