SyriSter

What it does

Worldwide, 40% of injections are delivered using unsterile, re-used syringes. SyriSter is a UV-C sterilisation device for syringes targeted for use in disaster/crisis zones where re-use is a common or necessary practice, preventing the transmission of disease.

Your inspiration

This project set out to answer the question: “How might we enable medics to treat multiple patients with limited access to medical supplies?” In crisis-affected regions, re-use of single-use medical equipment is often unavoidable. In developing countries, 70% of injections are given with re-used unsterile syringes. Developing countries and areas in crisis are consistently struggling with supply disruptions and access to clean medical products. It was clear that an intermediary system was needed to prevent syringes from ending up in either landfill or being re-used unsafely and infecting a patient.

How it works

The SyriSter utilises UV-C LEDs at a certain wavelength and configuration to achieve complete sterilisation and eradication of pathogens like HIV within 60 seconds. Unlike competitors, the device requires no consumables, no water, and can run on rechargeable batteries. The device has 6 chambers that can be used simultaneously. All chambers have a hinging back wall to allow for easier user loading, as well as an o-ring seal to store the syringes once sterilised. Inside each chamber, vacuum metalised aluminium is used to assist in reflecting the UV-C radiation around the syringe for a higher dosage. A hardwired interlock switch acts as a safety feature to protect the user from UV-C exposure. Prototypes were used to test the UV-C functionality with a swab test, revealing no new growth after 60 seconds of sterilisation. The testing also revealed negligible degradation of the syringe, allowing it to be sterilised for hundreds of cycles before material failure.

Design process

The design process began by interviewing paramedics, SES, and SAR personnel to gain insight into processes and systems that are causing inefficiencies in their jobs. These interviews identified a need for safe re-use of critical and commonly used medical supplies, particularly in crisis zones where re-use is unavoidable. Alongside interviews, research was conducted to look at potential methods of sterilisation. The biggest challenge was overcoming the resource constraints, as the device could not rely on water, gas, or consumable supply. This led to the decision of using UV-C LEDs after consulting paramedics and sterilisation experts. UV-C sterilisation posed a few issues in efficacy due to light paths and dosage, as well as potential degradation of the syringe material. Calculations, dosage mapping and testing revealed that the dosages received would be enough to eradicate HIV in 60 seconds. The degradation testing also revealed no signs of material failure after 12 hours of continuous dosage. Iterative prototypes were created with custom PCBs to test the LEDs, and all components to narrow down a robust DFM and DFA. Further development for injection moulding allows the device to be $655 AUD to manufacture, making it more accessible to a low socio-economic target market.

How it is different

Innovation in this product comes from the use of UV-C light to sterilise. UV-C has historically been implemented as an effective disinfectant, but is yet to emerge commercially for sterilisation as dosage requirements are much higher and products are harder to make viable when highly specified. The SyriSter utilises this innovation to become a competing sterilisation product at a price point 7x cheaper than benchmarked autoclaves and chemical sterilisers. The design has no need for external consumables, water, gas or mains power, allowing for a portable and self-sufficient device that can be easily implemented into low socio-economic hospitals or disaster zones. SyriSter's unit cost is approx $655AUD to manufacture. Current competing disinfection devices start at $900AUD, while sterilisation devices start at $7000AUD. The entire design cost down makes the product more accessible to lower socio-economic regions, with no additional consumable or running costs.

Future plans

Taking the next steps, I would like to understand the commercial possibilities for this project and potentially continue development into production. Some necessary steps to get there would include further testing and research into the efficacy and reliability of the UV-C LEDs, as well as further development into the technology and features in the device. If the SyriSter becomes successful, I see potential in exploring the implementation of the UV-C technology and configurations from this project into new technologies to sterilise other useful medical supplies.

Awards

Swinburne University of Technology GradX Excellence Award in Product Design Engineering