IIT-H prof bags award for creating e-skin

HYDERABAD: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IITH) have developed a pressure-sensitive artificial e-skin that has the potential to revolutionise the lives of burnt and acid attack victims in the country. Professor Sushmee Badhulika, along with PhD scholar Parikshit Sahatiya, has created a low-cost, biodegradable electronic skin which can be mounted on the skin that has lost functionality to recreate the sense of touch, sense pressure and can be stretched.  

Dr Badhulika has been honoured with the Young Engineer award by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) in recognition of her contribution in the field of flexible and wearable nano-electronics and eco-friendly electronics. The award consists of a cash prize of `1 lakh, a citation and recognition as an INAE Young Associate till attaining 45 years of age.

The e-skin mimics the functionality of the human skin in terms of sensing even minor pressure and strain variations and is based on natural rubber which is of low cost and biodegradable. Further, the technique adapted is solvent-free thus making the fabrication simple and viable for commercialisation,” she explained. From conceptualisation to execution, the entire process took the duo only about nine months. Made from natural rubber and carbon nano tube, the e-skin is an example of nanotechnology being used for durable and affordable health care in the country. Though the marking aspect of the e-skin has not been finalised, the initial response has been encouraging,” said Dr Badhulika.

What also adds on the viability of the product is that it is durable. Made from natural rubber, which has the inherent ability to stretch without losing it elasticity. With plastic surgery not being a very economically viable option  in India, the e-skin has the potential to revamp the cosmetic surgery market in the country.