Revolutionizing medicine: IIT Bombay develops needle-free ‘shock syringe’ for painless injections

Needle-free shock syringe for painless medical treatment

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that could eliminate the fear of needles. Dubbed the ‘shock syringe,’ this needle-free device leverages principles of aerospace engineering to deliver a painless alternative to traditional injections.

Developed by a team led by Prof. Viren Menezes from IIT Bombay’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, the shock syringe offers a promising solution for patients who avoid vaccinations or delay treatments due to needle anxiety.

How the shock syringe works

The shock syringe uses high-energy shock waves, traveling faster than the speed of sound, to deliver drugs without piercing the skin with a needle. This phenomenon, inspired by the mechanics of a sonic boom, compresses the surrounding medium, propelling a microjet of liquid drug into the skin. The result is a painless drug delivery method that minimizes trauma and accelerates healing.

Priyanka Hankare, research scholar and lead author of the study, explained that the syringe incorporates a micro-shock tube composed of three components: the driver, the driven, and the drug holder. It releases pressurized nitrogen gas, generating a microjet that travels at speeds twice that of a commercial airplane during takeoff. The team began development in 2021 and spent over two years refining the device.

Efficacy and advantages

A study published in September 2024 in the Journal of Biomedical Materials & Devices highlights the effectiveness of the shock syringe. Researchers tested the device on laboratory rats using three types of drugs: an anesthetic (Ketamine-Xylazine), an antifungal (Terbinafine), and insulin.

Key findings include

• Comparable efficacy: The syringe matched the performance of traditional needles for delivering anesthetics.
• Superior drug delivery: It outperformed needles in delivering viscous drugs, such as terbinafine, by depositing them deeper into the skin.
• Enhanced insulin effect: Insulin delivered via the shock syringe maintained lower blood sugar levels for longer durations compared to needle injections.

Additionally, the shock syringe caused less skin damage and inflammation, reducing healing time at the injection site. These features make it ideal for patients with needle phobia and offer significant potential for speeding up immunization drives.

Aerospace principles turned medical innovation

Hankare, who holds an MTech degree in aerospace engineering from IIT Kanpur and is pursuing a PhD at IIT Bombay, described the innovative approach: “As an aerospace engineer, I viewed shock waves as a destructive force capable of breaking barriers. This project transforms shock waves into a constructive tool for painless drug delivery, redefining healthcare accessibility and comfort.”

Future applications and development

The shock syringe design also addresses healthcare challenges such as needle-stick injuries, which pose risks of spreading blood-borne diseases. Each nozzle can be used over 1,000 times before replacement, making the device cost-effective and reliable.

The team is in the process of filing for a patent and seeking regulatory approval. Once approved, the shock syringe could revolutionize global healthcare by enhancing immunization efforts and providing an alternative for individuals fearful of traditional injections.

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