Use of Nanotechnology in the Formulation of Vaccines

Vaccines play a crucial role in global health, offering protection against a wide range of infectious diseases. Recent vaccine developments have resulted in a diverse array of vaccine platforms. There are two general types of vaccine platforms: those based on the whole infectious agent (either as a live attenuated or killed whole organism) and those based on components of the infectious agent (including subunit proteins, toxoids, viral vectored, and nucleic acid vaccines). Many of these component-based vaccines rely on particulate delivery systems to enhance their delivery, potency, and efficacy. Indeed, nanotechnology has emerged as a key technology in vaccine formulation. Nanoparticles efficiently encapsulate, protect vaccine components, and facilitate targeted delivery to immune cells. This chapter will outline the applications of nanoparticles in vaccine formulations and discuss the mechanisms of action underlying various nanoparticle-based formulations.