Pukyong National University

‘Blocking Pain Signals Without Drugs’ Featured as a Cover Article in an International Journal

- Research team led by Professor Sung Min-Ho of Pukyong National University develops a biodegradable heat-based technology for blocking neural pain signals

- Published in the materials science journal <Advanced Functional Materials>

A research paper co-authored by Professor Sung Min-Ho of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at Pukyong National University has been featured as a cover article in the international journal <Advanced Functional Materials> (Impact Factor: 19.0).

The journal, published by John Wiley & Sons, is a well-known publication in the field of materials science. The cover article is titled “A Bioresorbable Neural Interface for On-Demand Thermal Pain Block.”

The research team developed a biodegradable thermal neural interface technology capable of blocking pain signals without the use of drugs. Conventional treatments for acute pain have relied heavily on medications such as opioids or required the implantation of non-biodegradable electrical stimulation devices, which must later be removed through additional surgery.

To overcome these limitations, the research team proposed a novel platform that utilizes biodegradable materials capable of operating in the body for a certain period before naturally decomposing. By locally applying heat to nerves, the technology temporarily blocks pain signal transmission.

The device integrates an ultra-thin metal heater and temperature sensors, enabling precise control within a safe temperature range below 45°C. Through a real-time feedback-based closed-loop control system, it achieves reversible neural blocking without causing tissue damage. Notably, the device was designed to operate without external wiring by employing a wireless power transfer system, and after a certain period, it naturally degrades within the body, eliminating the need for additional surgical removal.

Animal experiments confirmed that nerve conduction signals were effectively suppressed during thermal stimulation and returned to normal after cooling, verifying both the safety and performance of the technology.

Professor Sung Min-Ho stated, “This research presents a new paradigm for pain management by combining thermal control technology with biodegradable electronic devices, enabling pain regulation without reliance on drugs.” He added, “In the future, the technology is expected to expand beyond the field of precision medical devices to broader areas of fire protection and safety, including real-time human safety monitoring and the development of smart disaster-prevention sensors.” <Pukyong Today>