Particle Sciences Inc. announces it has formulated a series of wax nanoparticles that, when coupled with an antigen, enhanced its immunogenicity, increasing both systemic and the mucosal immune response. The work is described in the journal Vaccine (Dec. 8, 2010) in a paper titled, "Carnauba wax nanoparticles enhance strong systemic and mucosal cellular and humoral immune responses to HIV-gp140 antigen."
In the paper, it is shown that by charge coupling the antigen with the wax nanoparticles, intradermal vaccination resulted in high levels of specific IgG response equal or greater than that of traditional adjuvants. Additionally, intranasal vaccination with antigen coupled wax nanoparticles induced a significant mucosal response. By themselves the wax nanoparticles are non-inflammatory.
The experimental work was performed at the Division of Clinical Sciences, St George's University, London and lead by Dr. Mauricio Arias.
According to Dr. Andrew Loxley, Particle Sciences' director of new technologies, "While these are preliminary experiments, the data is very encouraging and we are hopeful this approach can be exploited in the creation of more effective and affordable vaccines. The wax nanoparticles are stable to storage and easily and affordably produced."
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.