Could disappearing tattoos be the future?
Summary
Anton Savage discusses the development of switchable tattoo ink with Associate Professor Miriam O'Doul. This technology uses photochromic dyes encapsulated in medical-grade polymer, allowing tattoos to appear under UV light and disappear with white light. While red ink is currently available and safety-approved, new colors like blue, yellow, and magenta are still undergoing testing for durability and toxicity.
Topics discussed
Introduction to switchable tattoo ink
How to activate and deactivate the tattoos
Photochromic dyes and chemical mechanism
Connection to transition glasses and research
Safety and polymer encapsulation details
Availability and cost of red Magic Ink
New colors: yellow, blue, and magenta
Current limitations and approval status
Blue ink degradation and safety testing
Timeline for new inks and closing remarks
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