A single step process for the synthesis of antigen laden thermosensitive microparticles

Abstract

Recent insights in vaccine delivery point out a distinct benefit for antigen to be delivered in a microparticulate form to professional antigen presenting cells. Encapsulation technology to produce antigen laden microparticles often requires complex handlings involving the use of organic solvents, chemical reactivity and/or high shear forces. These issues impair the practical and economical feasibility of such delivery systems. In this paper, we introduce a novel concept for the encapsulation of antigen within microparticles, making use of the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior of a thermosensitive carrier polymer. Particle fabrication and characterization is demonstrated as well as their uptake by dendritic cells.