Who would have thought that we could power anything with our tears?
The work of Lee Seok Woo on smart contact lenses inspired by “Mission Impossible” is a fascinating blend of science fiction and practical technology. By leveraging his expertise in battery components, Lee is addressing one of the biggest challenges in wearable tech—creating a power source that is both safe and effective in extremely small, flexible devices like contact lenses.
Scientists develop ultra-thin battery for smart contact lenses that could be charged by tears
The ultra-thin battery is about 0.2 millimeters thick, making it thin enough to fit inside a 0.5 millimeter contact lens.
The battery is powered by a biocompatible saline solution and… pic.twitter.com/MNfi71HkO6
— Pavan ⛩️ (@pavan99912) June 6, 2024
His approach to use biocompatible materials and innovative charging methods, such as harnessing the chemical properties of glucose in saline solution and even tears, is particularly ingenious. This not only offers a safe alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries but also aligns with the natural functions of the human body, potentially enhancing user comfort and convenience.
However, the current limitations in voltage and capacity highlight the nascent stage of this technology. While it may not yet be ready for advanced applications requiring higher power, the direction of Lee’s research into health monitoring capabilities, especially for glucose levels in diabetic patients, shows promising potential for medical applications.
Moreover, Lee’s awareness of the need to balance innovation with cost considerations reflects a pragmatic view towards the commercialization of this technology. By aiming to keep costs low, he is mindful of the accessibility and practicality of bringing such advanced technologies to everyday users.
Overall, this blend of visionary technology development with practical and safety considerations could pave the way for more integrated and user-friendly wearable technologies in the future. Just wait for A.I. tech and advancements to start hitting. We live in a wondrous age for humanity, and every year now technology is advancing at ridiculous rates. So much so that in 10 years we will barely recognize society. Let’s hope it is all for the good.
Major Points
- Lee Seok Woo, inspired by a “Mission Impossible” film, is developing batteries for smart contact lenses at Nanyang Technological University.
- These batteries are ultra-thin, measuring just 0.2 mm, and are powered by biocompatible materials like glucose and saline solution.
- The batteries can be charged through conventional methods or chemically by interacting with glucose and saline, with tears also capable of charging them.
- Currently, the batteries produce a low voltage of 0.3V to 0.6V, which is insufficient for power-intensive tasks like data storage or internet connectivity.
- Lee is focusing on potential medical applications, particularly for monitoring glucose levels in diabetic patients, while aiming to keep the costs low for future commercialization.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
