Researchers at Kyushu University have developed an advance in drug delivery: a needle-free injection system powered by electrically induced microbubbles and shock wave reflection. This new approach could make injections safer, more comfortable, and far less invasive.
Traditional needle injections pose risks of infection and discomfort. While needle-free alternatives exist, they often lack precision and can be complex. The Kyushu team’s innovation solves these problems by generating microbubbles with voltage pulses. These bubbles collapse and create shock waves and microjets that gently puncture tissue, delivering medication without a needle.
What sets this system apart is its ability to repeat the injection cycle up to 3,000 times. Each pulse expands tissue permeability, ensuring deeper and more consistent delivery. To boost efficiency, the team introduced a special reflector that redirects shock waves back to the target area, increasing penetration by around 200 micrometers.
The system is compact, cost-effective, and simple to operate, making it ideal for broader use, even in low-resource settings. It holds promise for applications ranging from vaccinations to chronic disease treatments.
Published in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems, the research opens new doors in painless and precise drug administration, without ever touching a needle.
Article written by Bioengineer team
13/05/2025
Source:
Bioengineer.org