American engineers from Texas A&M University have created a material that mimics human skin and can be printed on a 3D printer. The development was called “electronic skin” and E-skin. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Advanced Functional Materials (AFM).
The material consists of nanoengineered hydrogels with tunable electronic and temperature biosensor capabilities.
“The ability to replicate the sense of touch and integrate it into various technologies opens up new possibilities for human-machine interaction and enhanced sensory experiences. This can improve the quality of life of people with disabilities,” explained Dr. Akhilesh Gaharwar, leader of the study.
The creators of e-skin propose turning it into wearable medical devices that constantly monitor temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, provide users with feedback and help them improve their motor skills and coordination.
The development’s authors noted that bioelectric devices in the past were too rigid to be integrated into flexible, elastic materials. This problem was solved with the help of nanoengineered hydrogels.
The researchers also exploited a defect in the structure of molybdenum disulfide atoms, which provide high electrical conductivity, and polydopamine nanoparticles, which allow the electronic skin to adhere well to living tissues.
Previous scientists was created “Smart” patch injector with remote control.