Microneedle arrays for vaccine delivery: The possibilities, challenges and use of nanoparticles as a combinatorial approach for enhanced vaccine immunogenicity.

Microneedle arrays for vaccine delivery: The possibilities, challenges and use of nanoparticles as a combinatorial approach for enhanced vaccine immunogenicity.

Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2018 Jul 27;:

Authors: Rodgers AM, Cordeiro AS, Kissenpfennig A, Donnelly RF

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is undoubtedly one of the greatest breakthroughs of modern preventative medicine. Despite this, there remain problems surrounding delivery, efficacy and compliance. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop cost-effective vaccine delivery systems that could expand the use of vaccines, particularly within developing countries. Microneedle (MN) arrays, due to their ease of use, painlessness and ability to target skin antigen presenting cells, provide an attractive technological platform for improved vaccine delivery and efficacy. Studies have demonstrated enhanced immunogenicity with the use of MN in comparison to that of the conventional needle. More recently, dissolving MN have been used for efficient delivery of nanoparticles (NP), as a means to enhance antigen immunogenicity.
AREAS COVERED: This review introduces the fields of MN technology and nanotechnology and highlights the recent advances which have been made combining these two technologies for enhanced vaccine delivery and efficacy. Some of the key questions that remain to be addressed for adoption of MN in a clinical setting are also evaluated.
EXPERT OPINION: MN-mediated vaccine delivery holds potential for expanding access to vaccines, with individuals in developing countries likely to be the principal beneficiaries. The combinatorial approach of utilising MN coupled with NP, provides the opportunity to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccine antigens.

PMID: 30051726 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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