New color-changing tattoos can monitor glucose levels in real-time

New color-changing tattoos can monitor glucose levels in real-time

New color-changing tattoos can monitor glucose levels and other metabolites in real-time

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By Lois Zoppi, BAJul 23 2019Reviewed by Kate Anderton, B.Sc. (Editor)

Scientists in Germany have developed an intradermal tattoo that changes color in response to fluctuations in glucose, albumin, and pH levels. Tests on animal skin have shown that the tattoos successfully change color when concentrations of key biomarkers were changed, marking an exciting step in real-time monitoring of chronic diseases like diabetes.