A research team led by Professor Jae-Woong Jeong from KAIST‘s School of Electrical Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Won-Il Jeong’s team, developed a novel intravenous (IV) needle technology called Phase-Convertible, Adapting and non-REusable (P-CARE) needle. The P-CARE needle is designed to reduce patient discomfort and safeguard medical staff.
The needle is made of liquid metal gallium and encapsulated in ultra-soft silicone. Gallium is hard at room temperature and becomes soft at body temperature, allowing The needle to become soft and flexible upon insertion due to body temperature, adapting to the vein’s movement. This reduces the risk of blood vessel damage and lowers the chances of needlestick injuries or syringe reuse. After removal, the needle remains soft due to the gallium supercooling phenomenon, preventing accidental injuries and reuse.
Ref: Agno KC, Yang K, Byun SH, et al. A temperature-responsive intravenous needle that irreversibly softens on insertion. Nature Biomedical Engineering. Published online October 30, 2023:1-14. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-023-01116-z