helix ― a collapsible, origami-inspired, single-material vaccination syringe

developed by ithzel libertad cerón lópez and daniel lópez velasco, helix is a collapsible, single-material vaccination syringe completely made from flexiOH UV, a heat-curable type of silicone. currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital and infectious grade waste has increased considerably, with each patient producing up to 1.5 kilograms of waste per day. this waste cannot be processed or recycled and most be incinerated due to the risks of contagion. the helix syringe project seeks to create a modification in these disposable devices so that the waste produced during medical activities doesn’t end up affecting the environment.

images by helix

helix is the first syringe made from the same material (UV silicone) in various degrees of cure, ranging from solid to flexible. this material is strong enough to substitute the steel needle and can generate different degrees of flexibility making it possible for a compatible plunger to deliver the vaccine. the prefilled vaccination syringe has a rigid needle and flexible collapsible part in the same part. this with the aim of facilitate the activities of medical personnel, optimizing the disposal processes. a single material vaccination syringe prevents complete separation of various materials, which helps reduce space, power and necessary infrastructure for its incineration.

a conventional syringe uses 5 materials — steel, polyethylene, rubber, resin, glue and heat dye. helix can be compacted using only 30% of space compared to conventional syringes, making its storage easier and safer. in addition to that, they can be incinerated in larger numbers due to their size, saving energy.