Mumbai: A groundbreaking invention from IIT Bombay promises to eliminate the fear of needles with the development of a needle-free “shock syringe.” Designed by a team led by Prof. Viren Menezes from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, this innovative device uses high-energy shock waves for painless drug delivery and faster healing.
Inspired by Aerospace Engineering
The shock syringe operates by generating shock waves—similar to those created by supersonic jets—that propel liquid drugs into the skin without the need for a needle. This technique reduces skin trauma and enhances drug efficacy, making it an ideal solution for individuals with needle phobia, a condition that often leads to missed vaccinations and delayed treatments.
Research scholar Priyanka Hankare, a key contributor to the project, explained the mechanics. The syringe, slightly longer than a ballpoint pen, uses a micro-shock tube with three components: a driver, a driven section, and a drug holder. Pressurized nitrogen gas creates a microjet of liquid that travels at speeds exceeding a commercial airplane during takeoff.
Promising Results
A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials & Devices in September 2024 showcased the syringe’s effectiveness in laboratory tests. When used to administer drugs like anesthetics, antifungals, and insulin to rats, the shock syringe matched or surpassed traditional needle-based methods in efficacy. For example, insulin delivered through the device maintained lower blood sugar levels for a longer duration, and viscous drugs like terbinafine were deposited more deeply into the skin layers.
Moreover, the shock syringe caused significantly less skin damage and inflammation, allowing for quicker recovery at the injection site.
A Step Toward Safer, Accessible Healthcare
The innovation holds immense potential for improving immunization campaigns, especially for children and adults who fear needles. Additionally, it reduces the risk of needle-stick injuries, which can transmit blood-borne diseases, and offers cost-effective use with over 1,000 applications per nozzle replacement.
Currently, the team is filing for a patent and plans to seek regulatory approval soon. Prof. Menezes emphasized the transformative potential of this invention, stating that it reimagines shock-wave dynamics to create a more comfortable and accessible healthcare experience for all.
