Intradermal needle-free powdered drug injection by a helium-powered device

We present a new method for needle-free powdered drug injection via a bench-top gas-powered device. This injector provides an alternative method of vaccine delivery to address the cold chain problem-the cost and risk of transporting temperature sensitive vaccines to developing countries. The device houses interchangeable nozzle inserts to vary orifice geometries and is capable of delivering polymer beads (1-5 μm diameter) into the dermal layer of porcine tissue. Results for injection shape and injection depth versus nozzle orifice diameter demonstrate the device's controllability.