Chapter 6: Inorganic Nanomaterials in Vaccines Check Access

Inorganic nanomaterials, such as two-dimensional layered double hydroxides, three-dimensional mesoporous silicas, or calcium carbonate or phosphates, have been widely examined as carriers and delivery vehicles for biomedical agents, particularly as delivery-type vaccine adjuvants. Their high binding affinity with biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, enables them to simultaneously load both antigens and immunomodulatory molecules, resulting in broad-spectrum immune responses. Inorganic materials also have inherent immunomodulatory properties in a number of cases. In the last decade or so, numerous investigations have shown that the chemical composition (i.e. ions, surface ligands) and physical properties (size, shape, crystal form, surface charge, and dispersity) of an inorganic material may influence the immune response to it and result in varied in vivo vaccination efficiency. Through optimising these factors, potent vaccines have been formulated against diseases such as pathogenetic bacteria and malignant cancers. This chapter will comprehensively summarise the advances in applying inorganic nanoparticles in vaccines.