Temporary Tattoos Research Articles

Reusable free-standing hydrogel electronic tattoo sensors with superior performance

Recently electronic tattoo sensors have attracted immense interest for health monitoring mainly due to their higher sensing performance than conventional dry sensors, owing to the ultra-low thickness which results in their conformability to the skin. However, their performance is worse than wet sensors. Further, these electronic tattoo sensors are not durable and reusable when free-standing because of their low thickness and being too delicate. Here, we report a remarkably high-performance freestanding, reusable, ultrathin and ultra-soft electronic tattoo sensor made of parylene-hydrogel double layer system with high water retention over extended periods that can be used for the extended period of 6 months. The hydrogel electronic tattoo (HET) sensors consist of electrically conductive self-adhesive hydrogel with a thickness of 20 µm and Young’s modulus of only 31 kPa at 37 °C, allowing for ultra-conformal contact to the skin microscopic features. Our HET sensors are fabricated using a scalable cost-effective method on ordinary tattoo papers and are laminated on the skin like temporary tattoos and were used for electrophysiological signals recording such as electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography (EMG), and skin hydration, temperature sensing. The HET sensors, for the first time, show 234% lower sensor-skin interface impedance (SSII) and significantly lower susceptibility to motion than gold standard medical grade silver/silver chloride wet gel electrodes which are known to have the lowest SSII and susceptibility to motion. Further, the low HET-skin interface impedance leads to a considerably larger signal amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the electrophysiological signals recorded using HET sensors in comparison with those obtained using gold standard medical grade silver/silver chloride wet gel electrodes. The SNR of some types of electrophysiological signals such as EMG recorded using HET is up to 19 dB higher than gold standard medical grade electrodes due to higher signal amplitude, significantly lower susceptibility of HET to motion and lower motion artifacts. Also, the HET sensor is the first free-standing ultrathin tattoo sensor that can be transferred from the skin to tattoo paper and vice versa many times and the electrophysiological sensing quality remained high during repeated use for over 6 months.

Henna Tattoo: From Cosmetic Purposes to Dermatological Reactions

Abstract Introduction: Henna, commonly used as a hair dye, is also used for temporary tattoos. It is commonly mixed with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to enhance color intensity, which may induce cutaneous sensitization. Aim: This study aimed to describe the clinicodemographic features of patients with dermatological reactions to henna tattoos. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, included patients with dermatological reactions to henna tattoos. All the patients were subjected to entire medical history including clinicodemographic data and general and dermatological examinations. Results: This study included 17 female patients with a mean age of 26.88 ± 6.6 years. Of these 17 patients; 41.2% were suburban residents, 58.8% were housewives, 70.6% were married, and 47.1% were middle socioeconomic class and 53% had type IV Fitzpatrick skin. All used black color and commercial henna for cosmetic purposes, 41.2% used market henna, and 35.3% used coiffeur henna. Many (70.6%) had localized reactions with 23.5% presenting with reaction of hands, 64.7% had acute eczematous reactions, and all had a progressive course. The mean duration of the reaction was 6.76 ± 2.6 days. The mean latency time of the reaction was 2.7 ± 0.85 days. Conclusion: This study concluded that public awareness of possible cutaneous reactions to henna tattoos should be increased. The health authority legislation should control the use of black henna to minimize the consequences.

Tattoo‐Like Multi‐Color Physically Unclonable Functions

AbstractAdvanced anti‐counterfeiting and authentication approaches are in urgent need of the rapidly digitizing society. Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) attract significant attention as a new‐generation security primitive. The challenge is design and generation of multi‐color PUFs that can be universally applicable to objects of varied composition, geometry, and rigidity. Herein, tattoo‐like multi‐color fluorescent PUFs are proposed and demonstrated. Multi‐channel optical responses are created by electrospraying of polymers that contain semiconductor nanocrystals with precisely defined photoluminescence. The universality of this approach enables the use of dot and dot‐in‐rod geometries with unique optical characteristics. The fabricated multi‐color PUFs are then transferred to a target object by using a temporary tattoo approach. Digitized keys generated from the red, green and blue fluorescence channels facilitate large encoding capacity and rapid authentication. Feature matching algorithms complement the authentication by direct image comparison, effectively alleviating constraints associated with imaging conditions. The strategy that paves the way for the development of practical, cost‐effective, and secure anticounterfeiting systems is presented.

Digital image correlation through surface patterning of skins to monitor knee motion

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) systems have been used to measure surface displacement fields by tracking a pattern applied to a surface. Offering many benefits in comparison to conventional strain-measurement devices, the use of DIC has been reported in the study of tissue biomechanics and performance of joints underneath. In this study, a new method was developed to apply a quality speckle pattern on the skin of knees. Temporary tattoo paper provided a safe, easy, and quick way for pattern application to the skin without hindering its natural behavior. A pattern was developed for analyzing the knee during a squatting motion in which the field of view, system set up, and curvature of the knee were contributing factors to the development. This research is designed to prove the feasibility of using tattoo papers as patent indicators for DIC measurement. The software was able to map the entire region of the knee and measure the displacement of each area independent of other parts, thus making it easy to identify twisting and bending of the joint. Experimental results indicated that it is an effective method to accurately analyze the motion of the knee without the need of sophisticated equipment. This methodology can be used to understand how strain affects the knee during action and thus will be useful for various sports-related activities such as training and injury management.

Black Henna Temporary Tattoo: A Case of Sometimes Debilitating Dermatological Complication

In Africa, henna tattooing is generally practiced on the hands and feet during ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms. Many allergic reactions including allergic contact dermatitis have been described, not directly linked to pure henna, but especially to the addition of para-phenylenediamine. We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient who presented with allergic contact dermatitis following the application of a black henna tattoo. A 35-year-old woman presented with very itchy vesiculobullous lesions on the backs of the hands and forearms with a burning sensation 48 hours after the application of a black henna tattoo containing paraphenylenediamine (PPD) vesiculo-bullous, edematous lesions which sat at the tattoo site and exactly followed the initial design on the hands and forearms. The diagnosis retained was contact dermatitis allergic to black henna. Black henna tattooing is an ancient practice, responsible for a large number of allergic contact dermatitis due to the various products mixed with henna. It is therefore important that there be information, especially among young people, about the skin risks of this practice.

Long-Term Modeling and Monitoring of Neuromusculoskeletal System Performance Using Tattoo-Like EMG Sensors

This paper introduces stretchable, long-term wearable, tattoo-like dry surface electrodes for highly repeatable electromyography (EMG). The tattoo-like sensors are hair thin, skin compliant and can be laminated on human skin just like a temporary transfer tattoo, which enables multiday noninvasive but intimate contact with the skin even under severe skin deformation. The new electrodes were used to facilitate a system-based approach to tracking of long-term fatiguing and recovery processes in a human neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) system, which was based on establishing an autoregressive moving average model with exogenous inputs (ARMAX model) relating signatures extracted from the surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals collected using the tattoo-like sensors, and the corresponding hand grip force (HGF) serving as the model output. Performance degradation of the relevant NMS system was evaluated by tracking the evolution of the errors of the ARMAX model established using the data corresponding to the rested (fresh) state of any given subject. Results from several exercise sessions clearly showed repeated patterns of fatiguing and resting, with a notable point that these patterns could now be quantified via dynamic models relating the relevant muscle signatures and NMS outputs.

A Chest‐Conformable, Wireless Electro‐Mechanical E‐Tattoo for Measuring Multiple Cardiac Time Intervals

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Noninvasive, accurate, and continuous cardiovascular monitoring can enable the preemptive detection of heart diseases and timely intervention to prevent serious cardiac complications. However, unobtrusive, ambulatory, and comprehensive cardiac monitoring is still a challenge as conventional electronics are rigid, heavy, or consume too much power for long‐term measurement. This work presents a thin (200 µm), stretchable (20%), lightweight (2.5 g), wireless, and low‐power (<3 mW) cardiac monitoring device that conforms to the human chest like a temporary tattoo sticker, correspondingly known as an e‐tattoo. This chest e‐tattoo features dual‐mode electro‐mechanical sensing—bio‐electric cardiac signals via electrocardiography and mechanical cardiac rhythm via seismocardiography. A unique peripheral synchronization strategy between the two sensors enables the measurement of systolic time intervals like the pre‐ejection period and the left ventricular ejection time with high accuracy (error = −0.44 ± 8.74 ms) while consuming very low power. The e‐tattoo is validated against clinically approved gold‐standard instruments on five human subjects. The good wearability and low power consumption of this e‐tattoo permit 24‐h continuous ambulatory monitoring.

S-37-6: THE PROMISE OF CUFFLESS BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING IN MANAGING HYPERTENSION

Although blood pressure measurement is perhaps the most common measurement done in clinical practice, many have started to challenge this procedure and calling for transformation in blood pressure monitoring. This is because blood pressure measurement in primary care has many problems, whether clinic, 24-hour ambulatory or home blood pressures are taken. Cuffless blood pressure measurement technologies have been knocking on the door for years, with the first patents already registered over 20 years ago. With advancements in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and mobile phone technologies, many start-ups and major global tech giants are now presenting to the end-user an array of highly innovative technologies. Cuffless monitoring includes many devices from wrist-worn watch-type devices to mobile phone tech (transdermal optical facial video processing or oscillometric finger pressing), wearable ultrasound patches, temporary graphene electronic tattoos, glasses, and even from a toilet seat. These technologies has a major benefit, namely blood pressure being taken without any user awareness. But it also has the potential to harness long-term prognostic cardiovascular information over and beyond blood pressure that may become particularly useful. Continuous long-term cuffless monitoring will provide for the first time the opportunity to move from averaging snapshot readings to capturing the continuous dynamic fluctuations of blood pressure in a high-definition video recording. There are, however, still several hurdles that need to be overcome before cuffless technologies can be implemented in clinical care. While biomedical engineers may exert their energy on ensuring that a cuffless innovation can accurately reflect brachial blood pressure, this is not the only aspect to consider. Manufacturers of conventional cuff-based devices have to painstakingly follow the ISO 81060–2:2018 Universal Standard to validate the device for accuracy. The rules are different for cuffless devices. Novel cuffless technologies vary substantially and use many techniques such as pulse transit time, pulse wave analyses, and ultrasound. The key question is whether these devices can accurately track the dynamic changes in blood pressure over time. Currently, an ISO 81060–3 standard is being developed to validate cuffless devices but due to the heterogenous technologies used by cuffless manufacturers there are major challenges. For this and other reasons, the European Society of Hypertension has released a consensus statement that due to fundamental questions regarding the accuracy, performance and implementation of cuffless devices in practice, these devices cannot be recommended for clinical use, while recognising the considering potential.

Abstract 13109: Pacemaker Mediated Contact Allergy to Thiuram and Paraphenylenediamine

Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis to cardiac rhythm devices (CRD) has been reported sporadically from the early 1980s to present. Most of these cases involve allergic reactions to direct contact agents such as nickel, silicone, titanium, cobalt, epoxy resin, mercury, polysulfone, polyurethane and polychloroparaxylene. Our case is unique in that the strongest allergic reaction was with thiuram and P-phenylenediamine (PPD), which has only been documented once since the advent of permanent pacemakers (PPM) Case: 58-year old male with history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presented with palpitations and fatigue. Holter monitoring demonstrated tachybrady syndrome and he underwent dual chamber PPM implantation (L331 Accolade TM MRI - Boston Scientific Inc). Eight weeks later he presented with new onset rash around his neck and the surgical site. PPM allergy was suspected, as patient did not respond to empiric antibiotics. He underwent PPM and lead extraction. Decision was made to observe patient without immediate re-implantation of PPM. Skin patch testing was strongly positive to thiuram and PPD. Final diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis was made and patient’s condition improved. Discussion: Thiuram and PPD, the raw materials used in the production of silicone rubber, encase pacemaker headers and leads. Individuals typically get sensitized to PPD by using hair dyes or temporary henna tattooing. The device used in our patient contained the same compounds. No studies to date document the true incidence and/or prevalence of allergic reactions to pacemaker components. One non-randomized retrospective trial reported benefits of skin patch testing before CRD implantation in patients who had a history of allergy to metals. Future trials are warranted to further evaluate the efficacy and benefits of pre-implantation skin testing and if it would benefit the population as a whole.

A graphene temporary tattoo measures blood pressure

A far cry from the bulky, uncomfortable cuff, the ultralight sensor takes measurements of the vital sign without the wearer feeling a thing.

Graphene temporary tattoo measures blood pressure

Graphene temporary tattoo measures blood pressure

Understanding the chemical and mineralogical composition of commercial henna and jagua tattoos and dyes—a multi-analytical approach

Temporary tattoos and dyes constitute a great analytical challenge in relation to the regulatory control of their ingredients. Most of these commercial products are not labeled according to their content and their chemical nature is highly diverse. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze these complex samples to evaluate the potential presence of metallic impurities, to ensure the safety of cosmetic products contributing to health protection. This study proposes a multi-analytical methodology, which includes handheld X-ray fluorescence (h-XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), complemented by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (VP-SEM–EDS) to fully characterize 34 commercial samples of jagua and henna tattoos and dyes. The approach allowed the identification of the main constituents providing complementary compositional data and differences between sample types were established. In addition, information on the degree of natural pigments homogeneity was also obtained. The results’ discussion considering the current European cosmetics regulation may be useful to support the drafting of safety requirements and specific regulation.

Transferrable SERS Barcodes (Adv. Mater. Interfaces 17/2022)

Transferrable SERS Barcodes In article number 2200048, Furkan Sahin, Mustafa Serdar Onses, and co-workers introduce a new approach for the fabrication of security labels that is derived from the combined use of a temporary tattoo approach and ink-jet printing of a particle-free reactive silver inks. The resulting barcodes exhibit high SERS activity and can be effectively transferred to a range of different objects such as paintings, chips, and coins.

Transferrable SERS Barcodes

AbstractThe demand for encoded surfaces has increased significantly over the past decade driven by the rapid digitalization of the world. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers unique capabilities in generation of encoded surfaces. The challenge is the limited versatility of SERS‐based encoding systems in terms of the applicable surfaces. This study addresses this challenge by using a temporary tattoo approach together with simplified fabrication of SERS‐active patterns by ink‐jet printing of a particle‐free reactive silver ink. Plasmonic silver nanostructures form on the tattoo paper upon ink‐jet printing and a brief thermal annealing. The SERS activity is sufficient to detect taggant molecules of rhodamine 6G, methylene blue, and rhodamine B with a nanomolar level sensitivity. Raman‐active taggants can be incorporated into the ink, for drop‐on‐demand patterning of multiple molecules in 1D and 2D barcode geometries. The SERS barcodes can be effectively transferred to a range of different substrates retaining high plasmonic activity and geometric integrity. The presented approach decouples the SERS‐active pattern preparation from the final substrate and greatly improves the versatility of the barcodes.

Art’s Work in the Age of Biotechnology: Shaping Our Genetic Futures

Art’s Work in the Age of Biotechnology: Shaping Our Genetic Futures

A novel method for skin marking in radiotherapy: first clinical use of temporary organic tattoo seal.

An oil-based pen is widely used as a skin marker for identification of the isocenter and computed tomography (CT)-coordinate origin during radiotherapy. However, use of this pen has some disadvantages, including color loss and color migration. To address these problems, we have developed use of a temporary fashion tattoo (Inkbox) for skin marking. The utility and feasibility of Inkbox as an alternative to an oil-based pen were evaluated in this study. The study included patients from two centers who required skin marking for radiotherapy performed between December 2020 and March 2021. Skin markings were made with an oil-based pen or with Inkbox. The durability was recorded during daily irradiation. Skin markings with Inkbox were made in 32 patients. The total number of skin markings was 94: 64 with Inkbox and 30 with an oil-based pen. A questionnaire survey to evaluate each method was conducted among patients after radiotherapy. The median durations of marking were 16 and 4 days with Inkbox and an oil-based pen, respectively (p-value < 0.001). The survey showed that Inkbox had less impact on the daily lives of patients, including reduced color migration to clothes and less concern about disappearance of the marking. There were no adverse cutaneous side effects with Inkbox. The duration of marking with Inkbox is about 16 days, with little impact on daily life. These findings suggest that Inkbox is a potentially useful method of skin marking in radiotherapy.

Optimizing a Feature-Based Motion Tracking System for Prospective Head Motion Estimation in MRI and PET/MRI

Patient head motion during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain causes artifacts that limit diagnostic value. Prospective motion correction can, in principle, allow artifact-free imaging for any MRI sequence. Optical motion tracking systems are effective at measuring head motion for prospective motion correction but normally rely on attached markers, which are cumbersome and can move relative to the head. In this study, we optimized and benchmarked an optical motion tracking system that uses in-bore stereo-optical cameras to track feature patches on the forehead rather than attached markers. Feature patches were applied to the forehead in the form of an easily removable ink stamp or temporary tattoo. This approach has flexibility in camera positioning and allows tracking of a variety of surfaces on the human face, even those lacking prominent contours. This is advantageous given the limited space and line-of-sight with typical head coils. We optimized the accuracy and efficiency of two key components of the method: 1) the geometry of the stereo camera setup and 2) the feature detection and matching algorithm used for pose estimation. The absolute accuracy of the optimized feature-based method was compared with a commercial marker-based motion tracking system. Estimates of head motion of 15 volunteers simultaneously tracked by the two systems resulted in average positional discrepancies of less than 3 mm using a stamp and submillimeter average discrepancy using a feature-dense tattoo. These results suggest the feasibility of obtaining accurate head motion data for prospective motion compensated MRI using optimized feature-based motion tracking.

The chemistry behind the body art: unveiling the elemental profile and heavy metal content of natural tattoos and dyes by ICP-MS.

Temporary tattoos and dyes are increasing popularity as an alternative to permanent ones. However, knowledge on its elementary composition is scarce and, this scientific gap can potentially make them a source of heavy metal exposure on humans. The present research aimed to explore the possibility of using the inorganic chemical signature to characterize natural pigments-based products and to evaluate the heavy metal content in jagua temporary tattoos and henna temporary hair dyes and tattoos. Thirty-four different samples of commercial products were analyzed for the presence and quantity of eleven trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Ba, and Pb) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The overall mean concentrations varied between 0.02 and 973 μg g-1 in solid samples or 0.01-1878 μg g-1 for paste ones, wherein potential fake products were uncovered. None of the 34 samples considered comply with the current European Cosmetics Regulation. Samples were differentiated according to their Cr, Zn, Ba, and Pb content. The overall results revealed highly variable levels in the investigated samples, which leads us to suggest detailed quality controls of these materials, due the fact that their continued use can origin potential threat to human health.

DETERMINATION OF TOTAL AND BIOACCESSIBLE ELEMENTS IN TEMPORARY ADHESIVE TATTOOS USED BY CHILDREN AND ADULTS

The presence of bioaccessible potentially-toxic elements in five different brands of temporary tattoos (packaged with bubble gums) aimed at children and three product brands used by young and adult audiences were analyzed in accordance with the Brazilian Organization of Technical Standards (ABNT) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for toy’s safety standards. Bioaccessible barium, copper and strontium were found in the concentration range between 1.78–11.1 μg g–1, 0.0364–0.875 μg g–1, 0.155–9.9 μg g–1, respectively. Bioaccessible lead (2.6 ± 0.1 μg g–1 – 4.36 ± 0.06 μg g–1) and boron (2.14 ± 0.07 – 3.54 ± 0.07 μg g–1) were found in two samples whereas chromium (0.403 ± 0.004 μg g–1) in one sample aimed at children. Bioaccessible aluminum was found in six samples, mostly at products used by children. Other elements whose bioaccessibility was evaluated were Mo (&lt; LOD), Cd (&lt; LOD), V (0.148 ± 0.003 μg g–1) and Co (0.003 – 1.756 μg g–1). All samples met the upper limits permitted by the national toy safety standard, however, chromium, lead, cobalt and barium presented higher bioaccessibility levels than the allowed values by cosmetic regulation that controls products applied directly to the skin.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Temporary Black Henna Tattoo Due to Sensitization to Para-Phenylenediamine

The fashion for temporary “black henna tattoo” is becoming increasingly more common among young adults and teens. An adolescent case with itching, erythema, edema, and inflammatory discharge on the right forearm two days after a temporary tattoo application is presented in this report. To determine the contact sensitizer, a patch test was performed one month after the end of the treatment. A bullous strong positive reaction (3+) was observed against para-phenylenediamine at the 48th and 72nd hours of evaluation after the application. Despite the common belief that henna tattoo application is harmless, the ingredients used in henna tattoo especially para-phenylenediamine can lead to allergenic reactions that can even be severe.Keywords: Adolescent, contact dermatitis, para-phenylenediamine