(image: Korea Bizwire)
BUSAN, July 5 (Korea Bizwire) — Pusan National University has developed a new device that can relieve pain as an alternative to opioid-based painkillers.
The university announced on Monday that its researchers had developed a biometric implantable device using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) fluid channel technology to relieve pain by cooling a targeted area of the peripheral nerve, which plays the role of sending pain signals to central nerves.
Thus far, opioid-based pain killers have been used to relieve pain, but this method frequently caused drug addiction.
To address such a problem, research efforts have been underway in and outside the country with a focus on electronically, pharmaceutically, optically, thermally or mechanically stimulating the peripheral nerve that transmits pain signals to the central nervous system, to ensure selective adjustment of the signals.
The research team succeeded in developing a biometric implantable device that is small, light and compact. It can provide targeted pain relief by cooling peripheral nerves in a simple and stable manner.
“Made of biodegradable material, the device can minimize the body’s inflammatory response and inflammation. Unlike ordinary implantable devices, it does not require secondary surgery for removal after use,” said Seo Min-ho, a biomedical engineering professor at Pusan National University who lead the research team.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
