Researchers at La Trobe University in Australia have developed a groundbreaking ultra-thin, see-through material using hyaluronic acid—a compound best known for its role in moisturizers and anti-aging serums. Their innovation could significantly enhance the performance of smartphones, wearable gadgets, and medical sensors.

Figure 1. Face Serum to Smart Devices.

When applied to a gold surface, hyaluronic acid enabled the formation of a highly conductive and flexible polymer. The result is a film known as 2D PEDOT, which is nearly invisible to the eye but conducts electricity as efficiently as metal. Its transparency, flexibility, and conductivity make it ideal for powering the next generation of smart devices.

Skincare Meets Circuitry

While hyaluronic acid is widely used in cosmetics for its hydrating power, this marks the first time it's been used to help construct a nanoscale conductive material. Figure 1 shows face serum to smart devices.

“We were thrilled to discover that tethering the acid to gold didn’t just trigger polymer formation—it made them thinner, more conductive, and highly reproducible,” said lead researcher and PhD candidate Luiza Aguiar do Nascimento.

The technique, known as tethered dopant templating, allows precise control over the polymer’s shape, transparency, and electrical properties—something traditional methods have long struggled with.

Breaking a 50-Year Bottleneck

Conductive polymers have existed for decades, but challenges like poor transparency, inconsistent quality, and low conductivity have limited their application [1]. This new approach overcomes those barriers.

“Our method produces films that are flexible, transparent, conductive, and scalable—something rarely achieved all at once,” noted Associate Professor Wren Greene.

The 2D PEDOT film could pave the way for a new generation of biosensors, drug-delivery implants, and responsive wearable tech—where ultra-thin, transparent, and reliable materials are essential.With this unexpected crossover between skincare and science, the team may have finally unlocked the full potential of conductive polymers.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/serum-ingredient-wearables-conductive-film-breakthrough

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), Face Serum Ingredient Triggers Breakthrough in Transparent Technology for Next-Gen Smart Devices, AnaTechMaz, pp.355