Silk delivers drugs without the pain

US researchers have developed a new microneedle drug delivery system using silk. The team says that its multifunctional properties could offer a safe and pain-free way to administer drugs and vaccines, as well as store drugs without the need for refrigeration. 

Microneedles have gained a lot of interest in recent years as a safe, pain-free alternative to hypodermic needles. As a patch, they can be placed onto the skin like a plaster allowing for self-administration, and as they can't reach pain receptors under the skin they don't hurt.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/December/12121103.asp