Professor Jin-ho Choy and his research team at the Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering have developed a bio-transplantation device that delivers drugs through near-infrared radiation without the use of needles. The outcome of the joint research with professor Young-bin Choy of Seoul National University was published in the global scientific journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) on May 23, 2019.
The device developed by professor Choy’s team is a transplantation device that enables the administration of drugs through an external application of near-infrared radiation to overcome the difficulties faced by patients who experience pain or a financial burden from repeated subcutaneous injections. The device implants several sealed drug reservoirs in the skin that release doses one at a time when near-infrared rays are directed at them. With a single implant, patients can administer the drugs whenever necessary by exposing the skin for a short period (around 5 seconds) to near-infrared radiation. It is small and does not require batteries or a separate power device, making it convenient for transplantation.
The core technology in this research is the ‘responsive membrane that ruptures from near-infrared radiation’ which was developed by the Institute’s professor Go-eun Choi and researcher Hye-yeon Park. The key technology of the device in the limelight is a hybrid membrane made of graphene-based nanoparticles and special polymers.
“It is a new concept medical device that can significantly ease the inconveniences undergone by patients suffering from chronic diseases who require repeated drug injections over long periods,” said professor Jin-ho Choy who went on to explain that “it will be a breakthrough for patients with short stature caused by deficiency in growth hormones or those suffering from type 1 diabetes.”
The research was carried out with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the National Research Foundation’s NRF Special Cooperation Program and Basic Research Program (mid-career research program).