Tattoos Turned On And Off With Light
Researchers develop PhotoTat system, allowing colors and images embedded in the skin to be changed and 'erased' without painful removal process
Researchers have developed a new type of tattoo ink called PhotoTat that can be switched on and off with light, allowing colors and images embedded in the skin to be changed and even 'erased' without having to go through the painful tattoo-removal process. The PhotoTat system contains three primary color inks — blue, magenta and yellow — made with photochromic dyes that change their molecular structure when exposed to specific wavelengths of light.
A 365-nanometer ultraviolet (UV) LED can activate pigments in around two to three seconds. The colors can persist for hours to days under typical indoor lighting, but disappear in seconds when exposed to the bright outdoor sun. This unique property of the tattoo ink makes it possible to conceal or change permanent body art without the need for removal.
The PhotoTat system has been tested on human skin, with researcher Carson Bruns having a tattoo of fish scales using the PhotoTat method. Bruns has experienced no known side effects, and the tattoo has remained switchable for over a year. In fact, all three PhotoTat channels remained switchable in the skin for between 1.4 and 2.2 years.
The potential applications of the PhotoTat system are vast, ranging from medical tattoos that are visible only when a doctor needs to see them, to cosmetic tattoos that can be changed or concealed at will. The system could also be used to hide tattoos from view, providing a convenient and painless solution for individuals who want to conceal their body art.
## Why it matters The development of the PhotoTat system has significant implications for the tattoo industry and beyond. With the ability to switch tattoos on and off with light, individuals can now have more control over their body art, and the potential for medical applications is vast. The system could also provide a new platform for artistic expression, allowing individuals to create dynamic and interactive tattoos that can be changed and updated at will.
The PhotoTat system is a significant breakthrough in tattoo technology, and its potential applications are only just beginning to be explored. As the technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see new and innovative uses for the PhotoTat system, from medical and cosmetic applications to artistic and creative expressions.
