Thesis

Optimisation and mechanistic assessment of an oral influenza vaccine

Creator
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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2010
Thesis identifier
  • T13006
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The aim of this thesis was to improve the formulation processes of an existing oral vaccine delivery system, the bilosome, and to investigate its mechanism of action. There were three main areas of research; (1) refinement and adaptation of the existing homogenisation melt method, (2) development of a new formulation process, and (3) investigation of the mechanism of action. The results from (1) showed that lyophilisation has no detrimental effect on the bilosome, allowing improved storage characteristics; this was proven in a 9-month study which showed that the immunogenicity of the lyophilised formulation was retained after this time.With a view to developing a system which could be more easily mass produced,a new formulation process using a microwave reactor was developed in (2). This gave bilosomes with equal immunogenicity to those in (1), in fewer steps and 1/5th of the time; these also allowed incorporation of inexpensive surfactants, which was not possible with the original method. As the formulation process had been successfully streamlined, the mechanism of action was examined in (3). It was thought that further understanding of this could provide information which would allow enhancement of the bilosomes immunogenicity. Results showed that no enhancement of immunogenicity was possible using bilosomes incorporating squalene, or with suppression of gastric acid pre-administration. Investigation of uptake in the intestine showed uptake in both the villi and the Peyer's patches of the small intestine,which may prove useful in the development of future vaccine delivery systems. The study in the lungs was less successful, and a number of issues meant that no significant conclusions could be made; however, the groundwork has been laid for future work in this area.
Resource Type
Note
  • This thesis was previously held under moratorium from 6th June 2012 until 6th June 2017.
DOI
Date Created
  • 2010
Former identifier
  • 999404393402996

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