Researchers Develop Affordable Device to Simulate Blast Injuries

Four researchers at the University of Rhode Island have created a cost-effective tabletop device designed to replicate pressure waves that mimic the impact of blasts, a significant cause of neurodegeneration. This innovative tool aims to enhance the study of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Their findings were published in the journal Cell Reports Methods.

The research team, led by Claudia Fallini and Riccardo Sirtori, focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. By using stem cell cultures, they aim to simulate human diseases and investigate how TBIs contribute to these conditions. Fallini, an associate professor in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences at URI, emphasizes the need for effective in vitro models to study TBI without relying on animal testing.

Historically, animal models have been the standard for TBI research; however, recent studies suggest that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids could provide a more relevant human-based alternative. Despite their potential, the application of these models has been hindered by the high costs and complexities associated with the necessary equipment.

Recognizing the limitations of existing methods, Fallini was determined to find a practical solution. Collaborating with Arun Shukla and Akash Pandey from the College of Engineering, the team set out to design a tabletop device capable of delivering controlled blasts to cells. Shukla, who has extensive experience in blast mitigation consulting for the U.S. Navy, and Pandey, a Ph.D. candidate working on materials for underwater blasts, aimed to create a portable and accessible apparatus for TBI research.

The project began in the summer of 2024, with Pandey leading the design and construction of a miniaturized shock tube apparatus. The development process lasted roughly a month, during which they scaled down existing technology to suit biological applications. The resulting simulator, crafted from readily available materials such as PVC pipe and aluminum, generates reproducible pressure waves that can impact 3D organoids.

In a striking demonstration of its capabilities, the device exposed test organoids to a blast wave lasting less than one millisecond—a duration significantly shorter than the blink of an eye. This brief exposure was enough to cause severe damage to various cellular structures, potentially leading to functional decline and neurodegeneration.

The type of injury modeled by the team parallels the effects of blasts from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or gunfire. With this device, Fallini and Sirtori can now assess the impact of TBIs on DNA damage and other cellular responses more effectively. Fallini noted, “This is a valuable, accessible tool to advance research in this area,” highlighting its potential to standardize and facilitate TBI studies.

The device has already revealed important insights, such as the increased vulnerability of deep-layer cortical neurons to blast exposure compared to upper-layer neurons. By providing a reliable method for simulating blast injuries, the researchers believe they can better understand the long-term consequences of TBI and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Fallini expressed her appreciation for the collaborative effort, saying it was enlightening to observe the intersection of cell biology and engineering. The innovative tabletop device represents a significant advancement in TBI research, offering a practical alternative to traditional models and paving the way for future studies on neurodegenerative diseases.

More information on this research can be found in the article by Riccardo Sirtori et al., titled “A tabletop blast device for the study of the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury on brain organoids,” published in Cell Reports Methods in 2025.