Dutch startup VSPARTICLE claims it has developed a low-cost technology to print sensors that will enable smart contact lenses. The nanotech company has developed an additive manufacturing technology that can be used for numerous applications, such as producing real-time medical sensors (glucose sensing, bio-marker sensing, etc.), as well as, accurate gas sensors.
Reportedly, VSPARTICLE can produce extremely sensitive materials, built up from pure metals and oxides, which can be printed on flexible substrates, such as polymers. The company claims its technology provides the accuracy required for glucose testing, as one example, and can be reproduced quickly.
The focus for this technology is sensors, semiconductors, micro-batteries, micro-LED’s, and bioelectronics. Vincent Laban, CFO for VSPARTICLE says, “Being able to print on curved, flexible surfaces is one of the biggest challenges for medical sensors, next to bio-compatibility of sensor material. With the lens we are able to solve both problems as we have demonstrated by printing a gold sensor on an ordinary contact lens.”
The potential for VSPARTICLE’s smart contact lens tech is extensive outside of its medical uses. Future scenarios already in development by companies and institutes such as IMEC, incorporate electronics and LEDs on contact lenses, or even involve recording video or taking photos using voluntary blinks to control the images.
Curiosity piqued? Thirst for more knowledge running rampant? Then pay a visit to VSPARTICLE for more details.