The reality shows that there is a problem with vaccine wastage due to expiration. The main reason is logistical challenges in transporting vaccines to various regions around the world.
Additionally, the storage temperature of vaccines must be adjusted throughout the production and distribution process. Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial to preserving the shelf life of vaccines, but this can be a challenge in many countries.
To enhance the shelf life of vaccines, scientists at the Laboratory of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at ETH Zurich, Germany, have developed a safe, flexible platform aimed at increasing the thermal stability of vaccines, thus extending their shelf life.
The research results were published in the journal Science Advances.
Most vaccines are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Improving Vaccine Shelf Life
Dr. Bruno Marco-Dufort, the lead researcher, explains: “Like an egg, when kept at room temperature or stored in a refrigerator, the egg maintains its protein structure, but when exposed to boiling water or a frying pan, its structure changes permanently. Similarly, the proteins in vaccines can aggregate and denature after exposure to certain temperatures.”
Marco-Dufort and his team have developed a new type of hydrogel. The gel is a synthetic, biocompatible polymer known as “PEG.”
PEG protects complex molecules like proteins found in vaccines, antibodies, or gene therapies. Researchers describe this technology as “molecular Tupperware,” which encases the proteins and keeps them separated, thereby extending the shelf life of vaccines.
Furthermore, this technology allows proteins to remain stable over a wide temperature range. Instead of the traditional cold chain range of +2 to +8°C (35 to 45°F), this technology enables a range from 25 to 65°C (75 to 150°F).
Reducing Health Risks Associated with Cold Chain Storage
In addition to improving vaccine shelf life, hydrogel technology has the potential to reduce costs and risks associated with cold chain storage.
Researchers report that in 2020, the market for cold chain services (from production to distribution) was valued at $17.2 billion and is projected to grow. Rising costs pose adverse consequences for public health and public trust if vaccines are delivered through an unreliable cold chain.
Most vaccines are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This creates a significant barrier for global vaccination campaigns, as the distribution costs often exceed production costs, Dr. Marco-Dufort explains.
Researchers note that further studies and clinical trials are needed before hydrogel can be deployed for vaccine distribution. However, the immediate application of this technology could be utilized in transporting heat-sensitive enzymes used in cancer research or protein molecules for laboratory studies.
