Remember those futuristic smart contact lenses from the movie “Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol”? Well, they might be closer to reality than you think, thanks to a revolutionary new battery that’s powered by your tears!
A Battery as Thin as a Hair:
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed an ultra-thin battery that’s just 0.2mm thick about twice the width of a human hair. This makes it perfectly suited for integration into standard contact lenses, which are typically 0.5mm thick.
From Sci-Fi to Reality:
The inspiration for this groundbreaking invention came from none other than the fictional technology showcased in the “Mission: Impossible” movie. Lee Seok Woo, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University, was intrigued by the idea of contact lenses with capabilities like facial recognition and eye tracking. This sparked his research, leading to the development of this innovative battery.
How tear powered battery charged?
A Chemical Reaction for Power:
The battery has a glucose coating that reacts with the sodium and chloride ions in the saline solution, generating power. This chemical charging process takes about eight hours and enables the battery to maintain 80% of its maximum capacity, providing power for several hours.
There’s a bonus:
Your tears also contain glucose. So, while you’re wearing the contact lens, your tears can also charge the battery! It’s like a built-in power source that keeps your smart contact lens running smoothly.
The Future of Contact Lens Technology:
While the battery’s current capacity is relatively low, generating only 0.3V-0.6V (compared to 1.5V for a standard AA battery), it holds immense potential for the future of contact lens technology.
Applications in Healthcare:
One area where this technology could make a significant impact is healthcare. The battery’s ability to detect glucose levels could revolutionize diabetes management. Imagine contact lenses that monitor blood sugar levels continuously, providing real-time data for diabetic patients.
The Future is Bright:
The development of this tear-powered battery is a significant step forward in the quest to create truly functional smart contact lenses. While there are still challenges to overcome, including improving the battery’s capacity and voltage, the possibilities are endless.