Iris-Inspired Microparticles with a Two-Factor Authentication Security Feature for Wet-Phase Enhanced Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies

Abstract

This article presents an iris-mimicking polymeric microparticle with randomly generated silica film cracks to be utilized as a wet-phase micro security taggant. The microparticles are designed to replicate the capillary patterns in the human iris, providing high data capacity and stability, making them ideal for authentication. Furthermore, the microparticles integrate a QR code within the pupillary zone of the iris, enabling pupillary authentication to enhance two-factor identification and elevate overall security levels an unprecedented feature absent in conventional iris recognition systems. The resulting artificial iris-mimicking microparticles have high coding efficiency and unique characteristics and can be authenticated in the wet phase, making them suitable for use as micro security taggants. © 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Materials Technologies published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.