Skin and gelatin have much more in common than you think.
Researchers at UBC have found that gelatin and other hydrogels use ions to carry an electric charge that generates a touch voltage. In a new article published in the journal Science, researchers explain the science behind the phenomenon and its potential applications.
The work was started by Utah Dobashi, a master of biomedical engineering at UBC and lead author of the study. Dobashi found a way to develop “ionic skin” that could conduct electrical currents and stimulate nerve reactions similar to human skin.
John Madden, a professor of electrical engineering and computer engineering at UBC’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, explained that electric currents are generated by the movement of ions in gels. Hydrogels contain salts, as well as larger negative ions and smaller positive ions. As the ions move in and out of the material, they expand and contract – the uneven distribution of the ions creates an electric field that causes the hydrogel sensors to work.
The process is similar to the way human skin detects touch and tension is at a level similar to that of the human nervous system.
“We’re used to working at much higher voltages,” Madden said. “The problem is that when we try to integrate these stresses, plus hard materials with our soft nerve tissue, it’s really hard to get the two to interact well. The beauty of these gels is that they have the same mechanical properties and generate currents that are in the right range. “
Madden explained that ionic skins can be placed on prosthetic limbs that will be able to sense objects by touch or pressure and transmit this information to the nervous system, allowing the brain to activate the motors needed to lift or hold the object.
Another potential use of gels is as implants. Ionic gels can be used as part of artificial cartilage in the knee or other parts of the body to stimulate nerve responses.
The smart leather technology market is estimated at $ 4.5 billion in 2019 and continues to grow.
If you want to see science in action at home, take a bowl of gelatin and put an electric tester in the bowl. Then just press the gelatin to generate a charge.
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