Bio-Inks Usher In DIY Sensors

Mar-03-15 A new bio-ink that can be used to draw sensors directly onto skin, leaves and other surfaces could open the door to a wave of DIY sensors that could be built anywhere.

Created by a team from the University of California, San Diego, the bio-inks are loaded into regular ballpoint pens and were originally developed as a way to measure glucose levels in diabetics. Each ink contains specific enzymes targeted for the chemical to be detected, as well as other ingredients that allow the ink to adhere to surfaces and provide electrical conductivity. Once the sensor has been drawn on the surface, a separate device is required to read it—though the team hopes to develop sensors able to communicate wirelessly.

The bio-ink sensors have been successful in monitoring glucose and pollution levels on leaves, and could eventually be used to detect explosives and toxic gases or add a health-monitor to smartphones.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[JACOBSSCHOOL.UCSD.EDU]

---