MIT researchers have created a vaccine printer capable of generating microneedle patches. The technology can produce hundreds of doses. In practice, the patch can be attached to the skin, allowing the vaccine to dissolve without the need for a traditional injection. The information was published in the scientific journal Nature Biotechnology.
The study authors point out that, once printed, vaccine patches can be stored for months at room temperature. Most vaccines must be refrigerated, which makes them difficult to store. In addition, they require syringes, needles and trained health professionals to administer them. Stickers do away with these needs.
Another point is that the device could be sent to a remote village, a refugee camp or military base to allow rapid vaccination of large numbers of people, for example.
The “ink” the researchers use to print the microneedles containing the vaccine includes RNA vaccine molecules encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, which help them remain stable for long periods of time.
Inside the printer, a robotic arm injects ink into microneedle molds, and a vacuum chamber below the mold sucks the ink to the bottom, ensuring ink reaches the tips of the needles.
The current vaccine printer prototype can produce 100 stickers in 48 hours, but the researchers anticipate that future versions could be designed to have greater capacity.
Source: Nature Biotechnology via MIT News
