US team develops 3D printed vaccine patch

The team, from Stanford University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, published its study conducted on animals in  Proceedings of the National Academy of Scientists. According to its findings, the patch gave an immune response ten times greater than a vaccine delivered into an arm muscle with a needle.

Described as a breakthrough, the patch consists of 3D printed microneedles lined up on a polymer patch. Applied directly to the skin with the ability to be self-administered, the patch is said to provide a less invasive, easy and painless alternative to a vaccine shot.

Study results showed that the vaccine patch generated a significant T-cell and antigen-specific antibody response that was 50 times greater than a subcutaneous injection delivered under the skin. 

Researchers believe the heightened immune response could lead to dose sparing, with a microneedle vaccine patch using a smaller dose to generate a similar immune response as a vaccine delivered with a needle and syringe.