References: wipo.int & newscientist
Sacred of needles? Many people are. It hurts because the needles are not fine enough, and up until now, it was impossible to make very fine ones. Scientist Hyung Il Jung from Yonsei University in Seoul Korea has recently filed a patent for the manufacture of an small array of microneedles designed to deliver drugs, be used for blood sampling and for biopsies.
The fine needles are made by first mixing the drug in a sticky material which is then thinly coated on a surface. Pointed objects are next used to touch this mixture and draw up fine needle shapes which are then cured. Once hardened, these fine needles are strong enough to penetrate the skin and yet not cause pain.
What is remarkable about this invention is the delivery material is completely biodegradable. Once injected, the needles will be left there to slowly dissolve away. If you consider of the costs of either sterilisation or the environmental penalty of throwing away one-time use disposable needles, this is a significant contribution. This invention could potentially take away the tears of small children who have to have repeated vaccinations in childhood and ease the discomfort of those who must endure repeated injections like diabetics who need daily doses of insulin.
The fine needles are made by first mixing the drug in a sticky material which is then thinly coated on a surface. Pointed objects are next used to touch this mixture and draw up fine needle shapes which are then cured. Once hardened, these fine needles are strong enough to penetrate the skin and yet not cause pain.
What is remarkable about this invention is the delivery material is completely biodegradable. Once injected, the needles will be left there to slowly dissolve away. If you consider of the costs of either sterilisation or the environmental penalty of throwing away one-time use disposable needles, this is a significant contribution. This invention could potentially take away the tears of small children who have to have repeated vaccinations in childhood and ease the discomfort of those who must endure repeated injections like diabetics who need daily doses of insulin.
Trend Themes
1. Painless Injections - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop fine needles made from biodegradable materials to reduce pain and discomfort during injections.
2. Microneedles for Drug Delivery - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create microneedles for efficient drug delivery, blood sampling, and biopsies without causing pain.
3. Eco-friendly Needle Disposal - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invent biodegradable needles that dissolve after use, reducing the need for sterilization and eliminating environmental waste.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new methods of drug delivery using microneedles to improve patient experience and treatment outcomes.
2. Medical Devices Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative needle designs and materials to revolutionize injections, blood sampling, and biopsies.
3. Healthcare Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate painless injection technology to enhance patient comfort and compliance with medication regimens.
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