Light-Activated Ink Offers Reversible Tattoos for Medical and Cosmetic Use
Carson Bruns and colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed 'PhotoTat,' a tattoo ink that remains invisible until exposed to ultraviolet light and disappears when exposed to bright visible light. The technology uses photochromic dyes encapsulated in transparent acrylic nanoparticles, allowing users to toggle visibility without removing the pigment. While tested on pig and silicone skin, the ink could revolutionize medical marking for radiotherapy and offer customizable cosmetic art, though safety concerns regarding long-term implantation remain.
