New needle-free vaccine that works like dental floss needs more research

Scientists at North Carolina State University (USA) have successfully tested a method of delivering vaccines through the gum tissue between the teeth and gums (junctional epithelium) using dental floss.

Researchers have developed a new vaccine platform that uses regular dental floss embedded with tiny dissolvable microneedles. (Source: North Carolina State University)

This suggests the ability to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies at mucosal surfaces - where many pathogens first enter, such as the mouth, nose and lungs.

The team found that when the vaccine was applied to dental floss and then administered to the junctional epithelium, the mice produced a significantly stronger mucosal antibody response than when the vaccine was administered sublingually, the current standard for oral administration.

The protection against influenza virus is similar to the intranasal route, but without the risk of the vaccine entering the brain.

The special feature of the junctional epithelium is that it has a higher permeability than other epithelial layers and is in direct contact with the bacterial environment, helping to deliver vaccines into the body effectively while still being safe.

The method was also tested with three other common vaccine forms (protein, inactivated virus, mRNA) and all produced strong immune responses both in the blood and on mucosal surfaces. Eating or drinking immediately after “vaccine brushing” did not reduce the effectiveness.

In an initial test involving 27 people, the team used dental floss soaked in food dye to simulate a vaccine, and the results showed that about 60% of the dye was delivered in the correct location. This suggests that dental floss could be a viable tool for needle-free self-injection of vaccines.

However, this method does not work for children who have not yet grown teeth and needs further research in people with gum disease or oral infections.

The research team hopes that if successful in the next phase, the technique will move to clinical trials, opening up a simple, cheap vaccine option for people who are afraid of needles.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/mot-loai-vaccine-moi-khong-can-kim-tiem-co-tac-dung-nhu-chi-nha-khoa-can-nghien-cuu-them-324135.html