New Tattoo Ink That Can Be Turned On and Off
Researchers have developed an innovative tattoo ink called PhotoTat that can be activated and deactivated using light. This technology allows tattoos to change colors or be “erased,” eliminating the need for painful removal procedures.
Key Features of PhotoTat
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Light Sensitivity: The ink comprises three primary colors—blue, magenta, and yellow—made with photochromic dyes. These dyes change color when exposed to specific wavelengths of light.
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Easy Activation: By using a 365-nanometer ultraviolet (UV) LED, users can activate these pigments within two to three seconds. The activated colors can last for hours to days under normal indoor light but disappear almost instantly when exposed to strong sunlight.
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Persistence: The pigments remain switchable in the skin for 1.4 to 2.2 years, allowing for ongoing customization.
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Customizable Designs: Users can activate different sections of a tattoo using various light wavelengths, enabling creative combinations. For instance, green light could activate magenta while blue could activate yellow.
Practical Applications
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Fun and Playful: This technology appeals to tattoo enthusiasts who want something dynamic and aesthetically flexible.
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Medical Use: The ink could also serve in medical applications, such as marking areas for radiation therapy, which can be turned off post-treatment to avoid permanent reminders of illness.
Current Status and Future Plans
Currently, only the purple ink has been commercialized after successful medical testing, priced at about $100 for a small bottle. The researcher, Carson Bruns, hopes to lower costs and expand offerings as further research is conducted.
For those interested in a tattoo that can adapt and change with light, PhotoTat represents a fascinating leap in body art technology.
