Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
09:51
Microfluidic Production of Lysolipid-Containing Temperature-Sensitive Liposomes
Published on: March 3, 2020
9.9K
QS-21 Adjuvant: Laboratory-Scale Purification Method and Formulation Into Liposomes.
Livia Brunner1, Christophe Barnier-Quer2, Nicolas Collin2
1Vaccine Formulation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland. livia.brunner@unil.ch.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 9, 2016
Summary
This study presents a new method for purifying QS-21, a potent vaccine adjuvant from Quillaja saponaria Molina, and formulating it into liposomes. This approach improves accessibility and reduces hemolytic activity while maintaining immune-boosting effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- QS-21, a saponin from *Quillaja saponaria* Molina, is a potent vaccine adjuvant.
- Current purification methods are complex and time-consuming.
- Commercially available Quil-A® contains QS-21 but requires further purification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified laboratory-scale purification method for QS-21 from Quil-A®.
- To formulate purified QS-21 into neutral liposomes with cholesterol.
- To characterize the purified QS-21 and its liposomal formulations.
Main Methods:
- Purification of QS-21 from the Quil-A® saponin mixture.
- Formulation of QS-21 into cholesterol-containing neutral liposomes.
- Physicochemical characterization of QS-21 and liposome formulations.
Main Results:
- A feasible method for laboratory-scale QS-21 purification from Quil-A® was established.
- QS-21 formulated into liposomes showed reduced hemolytic activity.
- Liposomal formulation retained the adjuvant properties of QS-21.
Conclusions:
- The developed method facilitates laboratory access to purified QS-21.
- Liposomal formulation enhances the safety profile of QS-21 without compromising efficacy.
- This work supports the further development of QS-21-based vaccine adjuvants.
