Aspects of the design and delivery of microparticles for vaccine applications

Mortality and morbidity data continue to indicate there is a compelling need for the derivation of a new generation of vaccine delivery systems that can be usefully applied via injection and also mucosally. One technology that has potential for design as an effective vaccine delivery system is the formulation of biodegradable microparticles from the polymers and poly lactide co-glycolide (PLGA) in particular. The potential advantages of the delivery of vaccines within such microparticles is discussed. The potential for eliciting and optimising immunity after the mucosal delivery of biodegradable microparticles is also discussed.