This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Heat-Stable Vaccines: A Breakthrough in Immunization ¶
June 17, 2020
Developing countries face significant challenges in maintaining the cold chain required for vaccine storage and transportation. However, researchers from the Universities of Bath and Newcastle in the UK have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change the game.
Most childhood vaccines are heat sensitive, requiring temperatures between 2°C and 8°C to remain effective. However, in hot, remote, and isolated areas, maintaining these conditions is often impossible. This has led to low immunization rates in affected regions.
Dr. Asel Sartbaeva and her team have developed a novel technique called ensilication, which encases protein molecules in a silica shell. This structure remains intact even when heated to 100°C or stored at room temperature for up to three years.
The researchers tested the effectiveness of ensilication by sending both regular and encased samples of the tetanus vaccine from Bath to Newcastle by ordinary post. The results showed that the encased vaccine remained active, while the regular vaccine was damaged in transit.
"This is really exciting data because it shows us that ensilication preserves not just the structure of the vaccine proteins but also the function," said Dr. Sartbaeva.
The team plans to create silica cages for other heat-sensitive vaccines, enabling all children globally to receive required immunizations without relying on the cold chain distribution.
In Kenya, immunization coverage is currently at 79 percent, but regional disparities exist. The North Eastern Region, characterized by high temperatures and lack of electricity, would benefit greatly from heat-stable vaccines.
