Innovators at Waseda University unveil groundbreaking eyewear technology, showcasing advanced contact lenses in their research.
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Waseda University, Kyoto University, and Yamaguchi University Hospital have collaborated to create MXene-coated contact lenses, offering enhanced protection against electromagnetic radiation (EMR). These lenses, utilising MXene nanosheets, are renowned for their high absorption and shielding capabilities against EMR.
The lenses work by absorbing high-frequency microwaves efficiently, converting the absorbed energy into thermal radiation, and preventing direct heating of the eyes. Tests have shown a robust electromagnetic shielding efficiency of up to 93%, making these lenses the highest reported for biocompatible materials at similar thickness levels.
These lenses hold significant potential applications. They are designed to protect the eyes from high-frequency EMR, ensuring optimal eye health by mitigating potential damage from electromagnetic exposure. Additionally, the integration of MXene materials in smart contact lenses paves the way for safer and more advanced wearable technologies, including medical implants and bioelectronics.
Furthermore, MXene-based materials are suitable for various wearable sensors and devices due to their photothermal and photoelectrochemical properties, enabling applications in thermal therapy and photonic responses.
The future prospects of these lenses are promising. They not only address safety concerns related to electromagnetic exposure but also open new avenues for innovative applications in wearable technology, medical devices, and bioelectronics. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see further integration of advanced nanomaterials into mainstream consumer products and medical devices.
The findings of this research were published in the journal Small Science on June 04, 2025. The fabricated MXene-coated contact lenses demonstrated over 80% visible light transmission and high conductivity. They also provided dehydration protection and had high biocompatibility with over 90% cell viability.
The team used a wet transfer approach to attach MXene nanosheets to the soft contact lenses, ensuring optimum adhesion and preventing oxidation of the MXene coating. The MCE layer protected the MXene from oxidation.
Prof. Miyake, the lead author, described the lenses as highly functional protective contact lenses. The prepared lenses were analyzed extensively for physical properties, conductivity, and safety. The research was coauthored by Dr. Lunjie Hu, Associate Professor Jun Hirotani, Professor Kazuhiro Kimura, Assistant Professor Atsushige Ashimori, and Assistant Professor Saman Azhari.
In conclusion, the development of MXene-coated contact lenses represents a significant advancement in wearable technology, particularly in the realm of electromagnetic radiation protection. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see further integration of advanced nanomaterials into mainstream consumer products and medical devices.
The MXene-coated contact lenses, a result of the collaboration between Waseda University, Kyoto University, and Yamaguchi University Hospital, promise a safer and more advanced health-and-wellness landscape by offering protection against electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This development, being a part of digital health, has the capacity to revolutionize technology in areas like medical plastics, wearable sensors, implants, and bioelectronics.
