Preservation of surface-dependent properties of viral antigens following immobilization on particulate ceramic delivery vehicles

Elaboration and structural analysis of aquasomes loaded with indomethacin

The aim of this study was to prepare nanoparticles in form of aquasomes with Indomethacin as a low solubility drug mode. Aquasomes charged with Indomethacin were obtained through the formation of an inorganic core of calcium phosphate covered with a Lactose film and further adsorption of the Indomethacin. Structural analyses, particle size, and morphology were evaluated by X-ray powder diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The X-ray analysis of the samples and their observation through electronic microscopy allowed us to identify the inorganic calcium phosphate nucleus formation, as well as the layers of Lactose and Indomethacin. The particle size analysis of the aquasomes obtained with the Lactose layer and charged with the drug indicated an average particle size in the range of 60-120 nm, with a media of 90 nm. Standard deviation was 18.0234 and the standard error of the media 4.1348. The method was reproducible under the conditions used to prepare the aquasomes, such as ultrasound frequency and the moment of sonication for the formation of inorganic cores.

Nanodecoy system: A novel approach to design hepatitis B vaccine for immunopotentiation

The progress toward subunit vaccines has been limited by their poor immunogenicity and limited stability. To enhance the immune response, subunit vaccines universally require improved adjuvants and delivery vehicles. In the present study, we propose the use of ceramic core based nanodecoy systems for effective immunization, which seems to exhibit a broad range of surface properties. Nanodecoy systems were prepared by self-assembling of hydroxyapatite core and cellobiose and finally the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was adsorbed over the preformed nanodecoy systems. HBsAg loaded nanodecoy systems were characterized for size, shape and antigen loading efficiency. The effect of processing steps on the stability and integrity of HBsAg was assessed by in vitro antigenicity and SDS-PAGE experiments. Nanodecoy preparations were nanometric in size range and almost spherical in shape. SDS-PAGE studies confirmed the integrity of HBsAg protein in the formulation. Vaccine efficacy was determined in female Balb/c mice and results indicated that specific anti-HBsAg antibody titers in mice receiving nanodecoy system were more efficient than the conventional adjuvant alum followed by subcutaneous immunization. Studies also indicated that nanodecoy formulations could elicit combined Th1 and Th2 immune response. It is inferred that nanodecoy systems are a class of novel carriers and hold potential as an alternative adjuvant in vaccine technology.