Scientists from Russia propose a way to administer the vaccine without needlesIn Russia20:42 | 18 May 2023

Researchers from Saratov State University and the AA Smorodintsev Influenza Research Institute have developed an inoculation method in which the vaccine is delivered deep into the body through hair follicles using therapeutic ultrasound. The scientists’ work has been published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry B.

In the method proposed by the scientists, the vaccine is placed in a very small matrix of calcium carbonate and applied to the skin. This substance was chosen because this biologically safe compound is part of the bones and is not rejected by the body. Sonophoresis was used to deliver the particles to the skin – exposure to ultrasound. It allowed the matrix to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin more effectively, overcome the stratum corneum-shaped barriers, and reach the immune system sufficient cells through the hair follicles.

The researchers tested their method on mice. One made the vaccine with the classical method – by injection into the muscle – and the other with the new needle-free method. The scientists then measured the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood plasma of the experimental subjects, one of the classes of antibodies with which the body can destroy infectious agents.

In normally vaccinated mice, antibodies responsible for humoral immunity predominate – depending on the antibodies – and, as a rule, persist for several months. When vaccinated percutaneously, the mice had more IgG2 antibodies responsible for cellular immunity – due to the functioning of specialized immune cells – and longer protection.

According to experts, their approach is safe, hygienic and may be an alternative to conventional vaccination in the future. At the same time, scientists have not yet figured out which types of vaccines can be used in their own way.