Drawing inspiration from a scene in a “Mission Impossible” movie, scientist Lee Seok Woo embarked on a journey to create batteries for smart contact lenses. In the movie, an agent used contact lenses with facial recognition and eye tracking capabilities, sparking Lee’s curiosity and determination to turn this fiction into reality. With a background in battery components, Lee saw the need for safe and compact batteries to power these innovative devices. The quest for wearable technology began with the vision of making smart contact lenses a practical and accessible tool for users.
The conventional lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electronic devices, were not suitable for smart contact lenses due to their size and potential safety risks. Lee and his team engineered a battery that could be powered using a biocompatible saline solution, providing a safer alternative to traditional batteries. The batteries were designed to be incredibly thin, measuring only 0.2 mm in thickness, to ensure user comfort and flexibility. By utilizing glucose-coated batteries that react with sodium and chloride ions in the saline solution, the team achieved a significant milestone in powering smart contact lenses.
The innovative battery design allowed for dual charging methods – a conventional wire method or a chemical method using the saline solution. Users could charge the battery for eight hours chemically, reaching 80% of its full capacity, and then use it for several hours during the day. Additionally, tears could also serve as a power source for the battery, as tears contain glucose that can further charge the device. Despite the unique charging capabilities, the battery’s current capacity and voltage remain low, producing approximately 0.3V – 0.6V. While insufficient for powering extensive functions like data storage or internet connection, the research team is focused on enhancing the battery’s specifications for future applications.
Lee envisioned potential partnerships with the healthcare industry, particularly in aiding diabetic patients. By utilizing glucose as a biofuel for the batteries, the smart contact lenses could potentially monitor the wearer’s glucose levels. This innovative approach could revolutionize how individuals manage their health on a daily basis, providing a convenient and discreet method for monitoring vital health indicators. However, Lee emphasized the importance of keeping costs low to ensure widespread accessibility and adoption of this groundbreaking technology.
The development of battery-powered smart contact lenses showcases the intersection of cutting-edge technology and practical applications for everyday use. With an eye towards enhancing user experience and functionality, Lee Seok Woo and his team have opened new possibilities in wearable technology. As advancements continue to be made in battery efficiency and performance, the potential for smart contact lenses to become a mainstream tool in healthcare and beyond is within reach. The journey to transform science fiction into reality is well underway, and the future holds exciting prospects for this innovative invention.