From Toy Slime to Medical Sensors

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UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic Engineers Develop Safe, Paint-On Electronics for Skin-Based Health Monitoring

Researchers at UC Irvine have pioneered a groundbreaking nontoxic, ultra-flexible silver ink that can be applied directly to the skin, creating wearable medical devices, such as heart monitors and wireless communication patches in minutes. This innovative technology, inspired by child-safe slime and utilizing simple materials like glue and borax, brings high-performance health monitoring closer to everyday use.

The project was led by Dr. Michelle Khine of the UC Irvine Department of Biomedical Engineering and Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic. Her team developed a water-based ink that uniquely combines high conductivity, stretchability, and skin safety—characteristics that are typically challenging to achieve simultaneously. Unlike conventional wearable devices that rely on rigid wires and potentially irritating adhesives, this ink forms a soft, seamless layer that flexes with the body, maintaining functionality even during activities, such as running, swimming, or bending.

In laboratory tests, the ink was successfully used to create flexible ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors and NFC (near-field communication) antennas. These devices performed comparably to commercial monitors but offered superior comfort and resistance to motion artifacts—signal distortions caused by movement. The waterborne nature of the ink, free from toxic solvents, enhances the safety for skin contact and sustainability for widespread use.

Dr. Khine’s research exemplifies the translational approach championed at UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, focusing on the development of fast, accessible technologies that could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient comfort. By transforming a simple material into a powerful health monitoring tool, the researchers are paving the way for personalized, on-skin electronics in clinics, homes, and various other settings.

Click here to read full article published in Sensors (Basel).

 

Pioneering Treatments for Port-Wine Birthmarks

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UC Irvine Magazine | Winter 2025

Three to five out of every 1,000 babies are born with a port-wine birthmark, a splash of red or purple on the skin somewhere on the body, mostly commonly the face. Unlike smaller, lighter birthmarks, port-wine marks can darken, thicken and develop complications such as bleeding and infections – and may be associated with other conditions like glaucoma and even seizures.

“They can also impact a person’s social interactions and psychological well-being, particularly when they cover a sizable portion of the face,” says Dr. Kristen Kelly, UC Irvine professor and chair of dermatology.

Using a pulsed dye laser, she zaps the purple-tinted blood vessels, heating them with intermittent bursts of light until the blood flow stops and the vessels break or develop clots and resolve. The targeted therapy sometimes requires as many as 30 treatments to effectively lighten a port-wine birthmark.

UC Irvine scientists have been at the forefront of addressing these signature marks for more than a decade. Dr. J. Stuart Nelson, medical director of the Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, pioneered the first cooling laser device in 1994, revolutionizing treatment for individuals with port-wine birthmarks. The cooling device protects the surface of the skin, allowing doctors to safely deliver higher doses to event the youngest patients while minimizing the possibility of complications. Depending on the size and depth of the blood vessels, many people experience dramatic benefits.

Unfortunately, the discoloration sometimes reappears. “The risk of vessels returning is lower when we start treatment during the first year of life,” says Kelly, whose patients range from infants to individuals in their 90s. To reduce recurrence, UC Irvine researchers are investigating approaches to combine lasers with medication. New medicines may need to be developed, Kelly adds.

These epidermal anomalies aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can thicken the skin, produce nodules and, in some cases, affect the organs, including the yes or brain. “Since we don’t know which patients are going to develop progression or complications,” Kelly says, “it’s important for anyone who has a port-wine birthmark to seek car from a qualified expert.”

In Memoriam | Dr. Hong Liang | 1932-2025

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Author: Zhongping Chen, Ph.D., UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Hong Liang on March 9, 2025. A devoted scientist, mentor, and cherished husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Liang leaves behind an enduring legacy of groundbreaking contributions to biomedical optics and cellular biophysics.

Born on November 26, 1932, in Jiading District, Shanghai, Dr. Liang’s lifelong passion for science began in his early years. He graduated from St. John’s School in Shanghai in 1950 and went on to earn his degree from Nanjing Agricultural University in 1954. That same year, he embarked on a remarkable career at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he rose from research intern to professor-level researcher, establishing himself as a leader in his field.

In 1989, Dr. Liang was invited by Professor Michael Berns to join the Beckman Laser Institute at the University of California, Irvine, as a visiting researcher. During his tenure, he made transformative contributions to laser-based cellular manipulation, optical trapping, and the biomechanics of cell division. His pioneering work in laser microsurgery and optical tweezers revolutionized the precision of cellular studies, opening new frontiers in biomedical research and inspiring countless scientists worldwide. Dr. Liang remained a vital member of the Beckman Laser Institute until his retirement in 2001.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Liang was a dedicated mentor, nurturing the next generation of researchers with wisdom and kindness. His colleagues remember him not only for his brilliance but also for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge.

Dr. Liang is survived by his loving wife, Xiaxian Zhou; his son and daughter; his daughter-in-law; and his beloved granddaughter. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dr. Hong Liang’s legacy will endure through his profound impact on science and the countless lives he touched. His memory will continue to inspire us all.

Advances in Treatment Resistant Port-Wine Birthmarks: Emerging Therapies and Future Directions

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Author(s): Kristen Marie Kelly, MD, FAAD, Heidi Anne Duerr, MPH
Conference: American Academy of Dermatology

Expect exciting news in the treatment of port-wine birthmarks, Kristen Marie Kelly, MD, told AAD Annual Meeting attendees.

Kristen Marie Kelly, MD, FAAD, highlighted promising advancements in the treatment of vascular malformations, particularly port-wine birthmarks at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting.1 Although lasers have significantly improved patient outcomes, she said, some lesions remain resistant, and recurrence continues to be a challenge. However, Kelly said new research offers hope for more effective therapies.

According to Kelly, chair and professor of dermatology at the School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, energy-based devices remain a cornerstone of treatment, but there are emerging strategies that involve combining them with targeted medications. In her talk, “What’s Next: Future Directions for the Treatment of Port Wine Birthmarks,” she explained a deeper understanding of the genetic mutations underlying vascular malformations is paving the way for innovative approaches. “Our treatments have improved, but for resistant lesions, there is hope for the future,” she said.

Recent studies have explored the potential of adjuvant therapies, including rapamycin and imiquimod, but these have produced only modest benefits, Kelly told Dermatology Times. However, ongoing aim to identify medications that more precisely target the affected pathways. Kelly said, “New drugs are being screened, and my hope is that when we find one that really targets that pathway, the combination will be very powerful.”

Kelly emphasized the importance of continued research and professional education. For those who want to be sure to stay up to date, she suggested attending conferences such as AAD Annual Meeting. The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) is also a useful resource, she said, as they provide key platforms for dermatologists to stay updated on the latest advancements. “There’s a lot of research going on in terms of new potential treatments, and people should continue to watch for more exciting options,” she told Dermatology Times.

With the integration of genetic insights, novel therapeutics, and advanced laser technologies, the future of port-wine birthmark treatment is evolving and is promising, Kelly indicated. For dermatologists, she added, staying informed about these developments will be crucial in optimizing patient care and improving long-term outcomes.

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Reference

1. Kelly KM. What’s Next: Future Directions for the Treatment of Port Wine Birthmarks. Presented at: the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 7-11; Orlando, Florida.

Click here to watch video and read full article in Dermatology Times.