NOTTA

What it does

NOTTA is an all-in-one disposable syringe designed to improve medicine delivery in disaster zones and low-resource regions. It operates in just two steps—TEAR and PRESS—for safe, hygienic, and intuitive use without medical assistance.

Your inspiration

This project began by identifying challenges in medicine administration during disasters and low-resource settings. Poor infrastructure often results in damaged or contaminated syringes and medicines, while staff shortages and unsanitary handling increase infection risk. WHO and ILO reports link reused syringes to the spread of bloodborne diseases like hepatitis C and HIV. To address this, we developed NOTTA—a compact, all-in-one syringe that is portable, hygienic, and usable without medical assistance. The name means “to inject” in Korean and also implies “No Contamination” in English, symbolizing safety and cleanliness.

How it works

This product features a semi-automatic syringe mechanism activated by pressing an air shell embedded in a paper housing. When compressed, air pressure is transmitted to a sealed silicone medicine pod, generating downward force to advance the piston and push the liquid. As the piston moves, it simultaneously drives the needle forward. Once fully extended, a dual-spring fluid passage opens slightly, allowing injection. This passage remains sealed until extension is complete, preventing premature medicine release. After injection, releasing the air shell lets it return to its original shape. As internal pressure drops, the piston retracts, pulling the needle back into the housing. The entire process is completed with a single press, requiring no external power. The system relies entirely on air and mechanical motion to ensure safe injection and automatic retraction, minimizing the risk of injury and contamination.

Design process

This project began with the goal of addressing key problems in conventional disposable syringes—such as medicine damage during transport, confusion in identification during treatment, and needle-stick injuries or contamination after disposal. In under-resourced settings, we identified the need for a syringe that is safe, simple, and operable without medical expertise or assembly. In response, we developed a single-use, paper-based syringe powered by hand pressure. At its core is a soft air shell that serves as the pressure source, activating medicine delivery through a compact internal structure. Rather than relying on electronics or complex mechanisms, we prioritized intuitive operation and material efficiency. To support safe use in low-hygiene environments, we applied gamma sterilization and sealed the product in protective packaging. The outer housing is made of compressed recycled paper to reduce environmental impact. For transport, three units are packed in a triangular, impact-resistant formation—ensuring protection and space-efficiency even under challenging distribution conditions.

How it is different

All-in-one. That’s NOTTA’s signature. Unlike conventional systems where medicine must be transferred manually into a syringe, NOTTA eliminates this step entirely. The pre-dosed medicine is already sealed within the device—removing the need for measurement, transfer, or handling by trained professionals. This minimizes preparation time, reduces human error, and significantly lowers the risk of contamination during handling. It enables accurate, hygienic delivery without requiring medical expertise—making it ideal for emergency situations, remote areas, and high-risk environments. The device integrates the medicine, syringe, piston, and needle into a single, sealed, lightweight body. Activated by pressing a soft air shell, it delivers and retracts the needle through a fully mechanical process. NOTTA is non-reusable by design and gamma-sterilized for safe use even in low-resource settings.

Future plans

Our goal is to create an all-in-one, power-free system usable in emergencies without expert help. To embody this, we proposed a dual-spring mechanism as a possible solution. While the design reflects our direction, real-world use—especially in sterilization, stability, and manufacturing—requires further development. We plan to advance the design through expert collaboration. We are seeking opportunities to test material durability and medicine stability, explore user trials with NGOs and clinics, refine key mechanisms, and prepare for certification. These steps aim to bring the concept closer to a viable, field-ready product.

Awards