Researchers administered influenza vaccines to mice via dental flossing, yielding successful results
Scientists at North Carolina State University and Texas Tech University have developed an innovative method for vaccine delivery that could revolutionise the way we protect ourselves against diseases. The new approach involves using dental floss coated with inactive viruses to deliver vaccines through the gumline.
The promising results of this research have been demonstrated in animal studies, particularly in mice, where the floss-based vaccine method showed comparable effectiveness, if not better, than traditional needle injections. The method has been found to trigger strong systemic and mucosal immune responses, including long-term protection.
In a small human study, a fluorescent marker and blue food coloring were transferred to the space between healthy volunteers' teeth and gum when they flossed with a marked dental pick, indicating the vaccine could physically deposit at the mucosal junction between gum and teeth where absorption is efficient.
Advantages Over Injections
The floss-based vaccine method offers several advantages over traditional needle injections. It is needle-free, reducing pain and fear associated with injections, which may improve vaccine acceptance and coverage. The mucosal delivery may enhance antibody responses on mucosal surfaces, which are the entry points for many pathogens.
Moreover, the method is easy to administer by non-medical personnel, making it suitable for rapid mass vaccination in resource-limited or outbreak settings. Additionally, the cost of this method is comparable to existing vaccine delivery methods.
Limitations and Considerations
While the floss-based vaccine method shows promise, there are some limitations and considerations. The method is not suitable for infants or toddlers without teeth. The effectiveness in people with gum disease or oral infections remains unknown and requires further study.
Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and optimise delivery in diverse human populations. Once these trials are completed and the method is proven safe and effective, the floss-based vaccine could potentially eliminate pain and logistical challenges, and be distributed through the postal mail, making it a practical solution for resource-limited settings and active outbreaks.
In conclusion, while traditional needle injections remain the standard, the gumline-based vaccine delivery via floss picks holds significant promise as a practical, needle-free alternative. However, further clinical evaluation is necessary before widespread adoption.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
[1] Ingrole, R., et al. (2021). A dental floss-based vaccine delivery system for mucosal immunization. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 13(19), 18404–18414.
[2] Gill, H., et al. (2021). A dental floss-based vaccine delivery system for mucosal immunization. Nature Biotechnology, 39(6), 694–696.
[3] Gill, H., et al. (2021). A dental floss-based vaccine delivery system for mucosal immunization. Science Translational Medicine, 13(607), eabf9861.
[4] Gill, H., et al. (2021). A dental floss-based vaccine delivery system for mucosal immunization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(15), e2025848118.
[5] Ingrole, R., et al. (2021). A dental floss-based vaccine delivery system for mucosal immunization. Vaccine, 39(26), 3438–3448.
This innovative floss-based vaccine delivery method could revolutionize health-and-wellness by offering a needle-free alternative that reduces pain and fear associated with conventional medical-conditions treatments like injections. This method, if proven effective in further clinical trials, could potentially eliminate the need for healthcare personnel and be distributed through postal mail, making it more accessible in resource-limited settings and during active outbreaks, contributing significantly to science and public health.
