Coronavirus

Needle-Free COVID-19 Vaccine Patches To Replace Syringes?

By
OB Bureau

Washington: For all those who are scared of syringes, here is good news. University of Queensland scientists have tested a COVID-19 vaccine patch that delivers a pain-free dose and removes the need for cold chain transport. The study was published in the journal Science Advances. It shows promising results.

The Australian-US team researchers developed the novel microneedle patch to deliver a COVID-19 DNA vaccine into the skin. The separable microneedle patch, which can be stored for over 30 days at room temperature, was found to induce strong immune responses in cells and mice.

How does it work?

The team used patches measuring one square centimeter. These were dotted with more than 5,000 microscopic spikes. These tips are coated with an experimental vaccine and the patch is clicked on with an applicator that resembles a hockey puck.

The researchers used a so-called ‘subunit’ vaccine that reproduces the spikes that dot the surface of the coronavirus.

Mice were injected either via the patch over the course of two minutes or with a syringe. The patches outperformed syringes.

The immune systems of those who got the patch produced high levels of neutralising antibodies after two doses including in their lungs., according to a report in DNA.

A sub-group of mice were given only one dose containing an additional substance called an adjuvant used to spur immune response.

Vaccines are normally injected into the muscles, but muscle tissue doesn’t contain very many immune cells needed to react to the drug.

In addition, the tiny spikes cause localised skin death, which alerts the body to a problem and triggers a greater immune response.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

IPL Auction: KKR Break Bank For Venkatesh On Lucrative Day For Indian Players; Check Top Buys

Mumbai: The first day of the IPL mega player auction at Jeddah threw up several…

November 24, 2024

Odisha Govt Hands Over Case Of Attack On Dharmasala MLA To Crime Branch

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has handed over the investigation into the attack on Dhramasala MLA…

November 24, 2024

Commissionerate Police Issues Traffic Advisory During Winter Session Of Odisha Assembly; Details Here

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate of Police on Sunday issued an advisory for movement of vehicular traffic…

November 24, 2024

Elon Musk Proposal: Fire US Federal Employees Who Want To Work From Home

New York: Now that President-elect Donald Trump has tasked Elon Musk with the responsibility of co-heading…

November 24, 2024

Odisha Govt Warns Of Stern Action For Renting Out Its Quarters

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has warned its employees of stern action for sub-letting their allotted…

November 24, 2024

AR Rahman Best Man In The World, Certifies Saira Banu; Then Why Their Separation?

Mumbai: There has been a lot of talk over AR Rahman and his wife Saira…

November 24, 2024

Process On To Form NODC In 2-3 Months, Says Odisha CM Mohan Majhi

Sundargarh: The North Odisha Development Council (NODC) would be formed in 2-3 months, said Chief…

November 24, 2024

Odisha DGP Reviews Security Arrangements For President’s Visit To Puri

Puri: Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania on Sunday reviewed the security arrangements for…

November 24, 2024