A patch instead of a syringe
Australian scientists have developed a patch with nano-steps, which can become an alternative to injections for the introduction of even large molecules, such as antigens in vaccines, the Daily Mail reports.
A patch with a diameter of about two centimeters, developed by scientists from the Australian University of Queensland, is enough to stick on for a few minutes so that the drug penetrates through the skin.
The principle of its operation is that the vaccine molecules cover the surface of nanoparticles located on the sticky side of the patch and are able to overcome the protective layer of the skin.
In an animal experiment, a patch with a vaccine turned out to be even more effective than an injection. According to the head of the development, Professor Mark Kendall, this may be explained by the fact that the vaccine injected with a patch penetrates directly under the surface of the skin, where there are many immune cells, and causes a stronger immune response.
In addition, the vaccine in the form of a patch differs favorably in that it can be applied by the patient himself, it does not need to be frozen, if necessary, it can be sent by ordinary letter, and also eliminates the risk of infection during injection.
For the appearance of nanoplastics on the pharmaceutical market, it is necessary to conduct research on the effectiveness and safety in humans. It is assumed that the nanoplast will be effectively used for vaccination against influenza and to combat epidemics in third world countries.