Millions of doses of vaccines are ruined each year due to improper storage and loss of refrigeration. One of the biggest challenges of vaccination is maintaining the cold chain — a continuous network of refrigeration at 2–8°C — to prevent denaturation, or the unfolding of proteins. Vaccines must be kept at cold temperatures from production, through shipping, to final delivery and administration. The cold chain is a critical logistical problem in the developing world. Many regions in developing countries have limited or no access to the power grid, making reliable refrigeration for storing vaccines impossible. It’s these regions that often have the greatest need for vaccines.
Researchers at the Univ. of Bath in the U.K. have crafted a method that could keep vaccines stable at room temperature and at elevated temperatures, allowing easier transport in the developing world.
The team calls their method ensilication. In this process, proteins within the vaccine are enclosed in a layer of deposited silica — forming a sort of silica cage around the proteins — rendering them stable for long-term ambient storage. The silica completely surrounds the proteins and...
Would you like to access the complete CEP News Update?
No problem. You just have to complete the following steps.
You have completed 0 of 2 steps.
-
Log in
You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now.
-
AIChE Membership
You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.
