Scientists have devised a revolutionary technique of tattooing gold on living tissue. This could revolutionize the coupling of human cells with electronic devices.
Scientists imprinted gold nanodots and nanowires on cells of living mouse embryos. The significance of this approach goes beyond its sci-fi appeal. David Gracias, a Johns Hopkins University engineer who led the research team, foresees remarkable health applications for the new technique.
These advances are driven by the urgent need to connect electronics and human biology, an endeavor that poses many challenges for scientists. The main obstacle lies in the mismatch between living tissue and the manufacturing techniques used in electronics manufacturing. Existing methods, while capable of flexibility and miniaturization, often use strong chemicals, high temperatures, or vacuums that are not compatible with living tissue.
Scientists predict that this approach, combined with established microfabrication techniques, will open up new possibilities for cell culture substrates, biohybrid materials, bionic devices and biosensors.
Source: Popular mechanics