Posted by Researchers are investigating the potential of a painless, needle-free vaccine delivery by ultrasound. The method uses cavitation, which is the formation and popping of bubbles in response to a sound wave. Though initial in vivo tests reported 700 times fewer vaccine molecules were delivered by the cavitation approach compared to conventional injection, the cavitation approach produced a higher immune response. The researchers theorize this could be due to the immune-rich skin the ultrasonic delivery targets. The result is a more efficient vaccine that could help reduce costs and increase efficacy. [1]
In a recent review of Prof. Carlisle’s group we get a general view on the structure and function of cavitation nuclei, approaches to their functionalization and customization, various clinical applications, progress toward real-world translation, and future directions for the field. [2]
- Acoustical Society of America. “Needle-free ultrasound vaccine delivery.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 December 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231204135300.htm>.
- Lyons, B.; Balkaran, J.P.R.; Dunn-Lawless, D.; Lucian, V.; Keller, S.B.; O’Reilly, C.S.; Hu, L.; Rubasingham, J.; Nair, M.; Carlisle, R.; et al. Sonosensitive Cavitation Nuclei—A Customisable Platform Technology for Enhanced Therapeutic Delivery. Molecules 2023, 28, 7733. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237733