Unsurprisingly, vaccines have taken center stage this year as researchers continue to work to find immunizations for COVID-19.
Unsurprisingly, vaccines have taken center stage this year as researchers continue to work to find immunizations for COVID-19. Here are six of the critical technologies — from 3D printing to telemedicine — spurring progress on those and other vaccination development efforts. 1.3D Printing The fear of needles often makes people hesitant to get vaccinated. However, researchers found a workaround by creating a 3D-printed patch to handle vaccine delivery. They said the T-cell and antigen-specific antibody response was 50 times greater than injections given subcutaneously. “In developing this technology, we hope to set the foundation for even more rapid global development of vaccines, at lower doses, in a pain- and anxiety-free manner,” said Joseph M. DeSimone, the lead author of a paper about the work. The team also believes they could customize the patches for different vaccines against diseases ranging from influenza to hepatitis. 2. Injectable Hydrogel Vaccine development for diseases like HIV-1 and malaria has not been as successful as other efforts. Experts believe part of the reason lies with the timing of the antigens — substances that make the body create antibodies against them — and adjuvants — ingredients added to many vaccines to stimulate or modulate the immune response. However, scientists have developed a hydrogel delivered by injection that triggers a sustained release of vaccine ingredients. Tests in rodents indicated that it caused more potent, higher quality and longer-lasting immune system reactions. When antigen exposure happens naturally in humans, it generally occurs across two to three weeks. However, that process only persists for a day or two in a vaccinated person. Mixing this new compound with vaccines could make the response more in line with natural exposure, boosting immunity in the process.
