Researchers at IIT Bombay develop a shockwave-based needle-free syringe that ensures painless and safe drug delivery with lesser damage to skin and lower risk of infection.  

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About Needle-free ‘shock syringe’

Mechanism

• Shock Wave Technology: Uses shock waves (high-energy pressure waves) instead of needles to deliver drugs.
• Speed and Compression: Shock waves travel faster than sound, compressing the surrounding medium to penetrate the skin.
• Micro Shock Tube Design: Comprises a micro shock tube with three sections: driver, driven, and drug holder.
• Nitrogen Gas Activation: Nitrogen gas creates a microjet of the drug that travels at speeds twice as fast as a commercial airplane at takeoff.
• Optimized Nozzle Design: Nozzle opening of 125 μm (width of a human hair) ensures minimal pain and efficient delivery.
• Sonic Boom Analogy: Similar to a sonic boom created when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, the shock waves push and disturb the surrounding medium to deliver the drug effectively.

Features and Benefits

• Monitored Pressure: Continuous pressure monitoring ensures consistent and precise drug delivery.
• Safety Testing: Rigorous testing on synthetic skin ensures safety and comfort for patients.
• Infection Prevention: Prevents blood-borne diseases caused by improper handling or disposal of needles.
• High-Speed Delivery: Delivers drugs at speeds nearly twice as fast as a commercial airplane during takeoff.
• Vaccination Efficiency: Suitable for making vaccination drives quicker and more effective.
• Multi-use Capability: Designed for multiple drug deliveries using one syringe, with over 1000 uses tested.
• Affordable Operation: Offers cost-effectiveness with minimal maintenance, requiring only nozzle replacement.