Chapter 7 - Needle-free technology for biomedical applications

Abstract

Needle-free technology was developed due to fear of hypodermic needles and accidents caused by the use of hypodermic needles. One of the important devices used for needle-free drug delivery are the needle-free jet injectors (NFJI). NFJI have been in use for more than 50 years but still have not been fully exploited. This technology has been evolved from multiple-use nondisposable devices to single use disposable-devices and overcame the risk factors such as needle contamination and any stick injuries. Jet injectors have very simple structure and mechanism based on high pressure. NFJI have wide classification based on the energy, load, mechanism, and site of application and different types of devices can be used based on the disease condition and severity of the patient. Jet injectors provide excellent bioavailability, minimum or no pain, and can be used for a wide range of drugs. In this chapter, a history of NFJI, classification, fluid dynamics behind their operation, challenges, and areas in which these needle-free technologies are being used, is reported. Needle-free technology has enormous biomedical applications including immunization to insulin delivery where NFJI have been widely used.