Portable UV sensor ink that monitors radiation exposure invented by scientists

Scientists have developed a sensor to track the level of dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation a person is exposed to, providing a tool that can prevent skin cancer.

Sensors, or dosimeters, use a special photosensitive ink that changes color depending on the amount of UV radiation to which it has been exposed, which can visually monitor the skin's exposure. The ink reacts to UV rays even at low doses, according to the inventors of the RMIT University, Australia. The team published its findings in the journal Nature Communications

According to the authors of the study, the ink of the sensor can be printed on any paper-like surface or applied using a tool such as: a feather pen.

The Sun emits wavelengths of UV rays, classified in bands A, B and C (respectively UVA, UVB and UVC). The UVCs are absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA and UVB are known to damage the body, leading to premature aging, skin cancer, cataracts and a weakened immune system. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV rays are one of the leading causes of potentially fatal melanoma cancer, which causes 8,000 deaths each year in the United States.

Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have created an active UV ink that can be printed on paper, making the sensors inexpensive and easy to produce. This image shows examples of prototypes. RMIT University

In addition to helping the body produce vitamin D, a nutrient essential for the absorption of calcium, small doses of UV rays can help prevent rickets, lupus and psoriasis. In addition, these conditions can also make the skin more sensitive to light and hinder the patient's ability to absorb vitamins.

The authors of the study point out that, although one can advise a patient to spend more time in the sun to facilitate the production of vitamin D, damaging exposure has a negative impact on health. Their sensors can prevent patients from overexposing themselves to UV rays.

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To adapt to the range of human skin shades that have different UV requirements, researchers have created six variants, the first being the most beautiful and the darkest, six. While type six can withstand UV exposure up to five times that of type 1 before it is damaged, darker skin also needs more solar contact to facilitate the Vitamin D production

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Professor Vipul Bansal, from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, was inspired by the creation of the sensor because of his own difficulties in maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.

"We are delighted that our UV sensor technology enables the production of custom sensors that can be tailored to the specific needs of a particular individual," said Mr. Bansal.

Matt Gass, spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists, said: Newsweek"Products for measuring UV exposure are not unusual, but they are not necessarily used on a large scale. A common problem with these products is that they do not take into account differences in skin types or sunscreen. However, this study aims to personalize the UV dosimeters according to the color of the skin which is positive.

"Dosimeters have the potential to be another tool that helps people avoid excessive sun exposure, but they do not replace the actual sunscreen in the form of sunscreen, protective clothing and hue," said Gass.