Chapter 10 - Needle-free injectors

Abstract

Needle-free injectors are biomedical devices that deliver the medication without the use of hypodermic needles by creating a high-speed stream of fluid that impacts the skin and delivers the medication. Needle-free injections offer many advantages over traditional injections such as needle phobia, injection-related pain, and needle stick injuries. Although needle-free injections have been used clinically for over 50years, they have not reached their full potential due to challenges such as the risk of infection, bruising, clogging of the injector, splash, and splatter. Scientists are using innovative techniques to alleviate some of the challenges associated with current technology. The chapter introduces the concept of needle-free injectors, various components of needle-free jet injectors such as the injection device, nozzle, and pressure sources. The chapter then discusses the various technologies involved in the delivery of drug using needle-free injectors. In addition, different mechanisms and types of needle-free injections are presented. Finally, limitations of current needle-free injectors and future directions of this technology with respect to the clinical use are further examined.