Scientists Have Made Smart Glowing OLED Tattoos

Scientists in Europe have created temporary light-emitting tattoos that could potentially have medical benefits. The technology uses organic light-emitting diodes like those found in TVs and are applied like a normal water transfer tattoo. The 2.3 micrometers thick OLED devices are fabricated onto temporary tattoo paper and transferred with pressure and water. Researchers say the tattoos could help detect when someone is dehydrated or be part of a cancer treatment. They could emit light when there is a change in a patient’s condition – or, if the tattoo was turned the other way into the skin, they could potentially be combined with light-sensitive therapies to target cancer cells, Professor Franco Cacialli, University College London. Scientists will now focus on encapsulating the OLEDs to prevent them from degrading quickly through air contact.