Microneedles for vaccine delivery

What is it about?

This review covers a short history of vaccine delivery and the latest advancements in non-injectable administration. The article stresses on delivery through the skin, especially superficial methods, to deliver antigens in order to immunize against human and animal diseases. It is concluded that microneedle-mediated vaccination could pave the way for rapid mass vaccination through possible painless self-administration.

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Why is it important?

Vaccine delivery has mostly depended on injectable methods. However, this method has several drawbacks due to the use of needles as well as physiological consequences of deposition of antigens in muscles or subcutis. Alternate methods hold much promise. One such method the transcutaneous delivery, specially the one involving microneedles. Microneedle delivery could revolutionize vaccination as it could be painless, better immunogenic, with very few adverse reactions, and having mass appeal.