Mucoadhesive Vaccine Delivery Systems for the Oral Mucosa

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Vaccinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Mucosal vaccination, particularly oral administration, is gaining significant scientific interest due to its minimally invasive nature and ability to elicit robust immune responses.
• The oral mucosa offers easy accessibility and a rich immunological environment, making it an attractive site for antigen delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of oral mucosal vaccination technologies.
• To emphasize the role of mucoadhesive biomaterial-based delivery systems in oral mucosal vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Review of various delivery strategies including polymeric nanoparticles, multilayer films, wafers, liposomes, microneedles, and thermoresponsive gels.
• Focus on systems exhibiting mucoadhesive properties and controlled antigen release.

Main Results:

• Investigated formulations demonstrate mucoadhesion, controlled antigen release, and enhanced immunological responses.
• These systems offer improved vaccine stability, are minimally invasive, and are easy to produce and manage.

Conclusions:

• Oral mucosa vaccine delivery systems represent a promising and evolving field of research.
• Future research should integrate advances in mucoadhesion with vaccine technology to induce sustained immune responses.
• These painless, stable, safe, and effective systems are suitable for rapid mass vaccination, especially during pandemics.