A new study suggests that temporary scalp tattoos could soon be used to track brain activity, offering a more convenient and efficient alternative to traditional electrode-based methods.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated that electronic tattoos, or “e-tattoos,” can detect electrical brain activity with equal efficacy to conventional electrodes. These e-tattoos, printed directly onto the scalp, are not only easier to apply but also offer a longer-lasting solution compared to traditional electrode arrays that must be glued to the skin.
“Our advancements in sensor design, biocompatible ink, and high-speed printing techniques pave the way for future on-body manufacturing of electronic tattoo sensors, with vast potential applications in clinical and non-clinical settings,” said Dr. Nanshu Lu, a professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and one of the study’s lead researchers.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a key diagnostic tool used by doctors to monitor and treat a range of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, brain injury, and cancer. However, the process of applying traditional EEG electrodes is cumbersome, requiring technicians to meticulously measure and mark the scalp before attaching the electrodes with adhesive.
Seeking a more efficient alternative, Lu and her team explored the potential of liquid ink e-tattoos. These tattoos are made from conductive polymers and are designed to be applied to the scalp using an inkjet printer. The ink flows through the hair to reach the scalp, where it can detect brain activity once dried. The application process is fast, non-invasive, and causes no discomfort to the patient.
In their tests, the e-tattoos performed on par with traditional electrodes, maintaining stable connectivity for over 24 hours. In contrast, traditional electrode arrays typically lose functionality after about six hours, with many failing to detect brainwaves at all as they dry out.
The researchers also optimized the design of the e-tattoos by running conductive lines down the base of the head, eliminating the need for wires typically used in EEG tests. This modification ensured that the e-tattoo maintained signal integrity without picking up unwanted electrical noise.
Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate wireless data transmitters into the e-tattoos, allowing for even greater flexibility in monitoring brainwaves without the need for wires.
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond medical diagnostics. E-tattoos could be used in brain-computer interface devices, enabling individuals with disabilities to control prosthetic limbs, operate wheelchairs, or communicate through computers—tasks that currently require bulky headsets or invasive brain implants.
“This study has the potential to revolutionize the design of non-invasive brain-computer interface devices,” added Lu.
With further development, these temporary scalp tattoos could reshape how brain activity is monitored, offering a more accessible and practical solution for both medical and personal applications.
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