If the implantable films of silk on which flexible silicon transistors are placed, materialize full-scale, and can be used to function as tattoos under the skin, then we are in for programmable LED tattoos that’ll turn the skin into a display. The researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are working on these new types of tattoos.
The silk substrates measuring 1mm long and 250nm thick with silicon chips atop are made such that they eventually dissolve into the body, where implanted, leaving behind only electronics which are kept in place, as the body shape, by a saline solution. Being flexible, just contrary to the present day implantable devices, these implantable silicon-silk devices can move elastically with the body, thus forming a perfect platform for functional displays.
The medical applications of the device are being explored, because the devices can be hooked up to any kind of electronic even inside the body, they can be used to show blood-sugar and other body vitals on the skin. Taking the leverage, we are wise enough to understand how such a tech could benefit both commercially and of course artistically. So start working out idea as to what you would do with a body that’ll be a live billboard.
