A conductive ink can be printed directly on the surface of a patient’s head and measure their brainwaves. These e-tattoos serve as the sensors for electroencephalography (EEG), a medical test that measures the brain’s electrical activity. EEG can help diagnose and monitor brain tumors, sleep disorders and other brain issues.

The new method uses a camera to map the individual head’s shape digitally. The researchers developed an algorithm that designs the EEG sensors specifically for the individual and tells a robot printer where to place the conductive ink.

The printer does not touch the patient. It propels the ink fast enough to get through hair — though so far, the researchers have had success only with short-haired patients. In addition to the printed sensors and connectors, short cables are used to link the printed e-tattoo to a small, commercial EEG recorder.

Going forward, the researchers have two main goals: The first is to improve the ability to apply it to patients with longer hair such as the use of robotic fingers and combs that could separate hair quickly to enable printing. The second involves increasing the ink’s resistance to friction and its robustness so the patient can sleep through the night without rubbing it off. (Image credit: University of Texas at Austin)

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Topics:
Digital Health Medical Wearables

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    This article first appeared in the March, 2025 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine (Vol. 15 No. 3).

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