Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an innovative shock syringe that promises a painless experience for medical treatments, marking a significant advancement in drug delivery technology.
- Unlike traditional syringes that use needles, the shock syringe employs high-energy pressure waves (shock waves) to deliver medication through the skin without the need for a sharp tip.
How Shock Syringes Work
- Shock Wave Mechanism:
- The syringe generates shock waves, which are pressure waves traveling faster than the speed of sound, similar to the phenomenon of a sonic boom created by supersonic aircraft.
- These waves compress the surrounding medium (air or liquid) to create a microjet of the liquid drug.
- Microjet Creation:
- Pressurized nitrogen gas is used to drive the system, forming a high-speed microjet of the drug in the micro shock tube.
- The microjet, traveling at speeds twice as fast as a commercial airplane at takeoff, passes through the nozzle and penetrates the skin gently and efficiently.
- Precision and Safety:
- The syringe is designed to monitor pressure and calibrate force and speed to ensure minimal tissue damage and precise drug delivery.
- Rigorous testing on synthetic skin ensures safety and comfort for patients.
Benefits of the Shock Syringe:
- Painless Injections: The rapid and gentle delivery method eliminates the discomfort associated with traditional needles.
- Efficient Immunization Drives: The technology can make mass immunization campaigns faster and more effective, particularly for children and adults who fear needles.
- Reduced Risk of Bloodborne Diseases: Without needles, the risk of needle-stick injuries and related infections is significantly minimized.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Capable of delivering over 1,000 shots with only periodic nozzle replacement, the syringe is both reliable and economical.
(Source: The Hindu)
