MIT researchers have developed a portable vaccine printer capable of producing hundreds of vaccine doses daily. This innovative device, which fits on a tabletop, aims to address the challenges of administering vaccines in remote areas lacking cold storage infrastructure. The printer generates microneedle patches filled with vaccines that can be stored at room temperature and applied directly to the skin, eliminating the need for traditional injections.
During trials, the printer successfully produced thermostable Covid-19 RNA vaccines that elicited a strong immune response comparable to standard injected vaccines when tested on mice. With the ability to ship these mobile printers to outbreak locations, they can facilitate rapid vaccination and improve public health responses during emergencies. The printer combines RNA vaccine molecules with stabilizing lipid nanoparticles and polymers, ensuring long-term stability even at varying temperatures. Each printer prototype can produce 100 patches in approximately two days, with potential for increased capacity in future designs.
This research provides a pathway toward on-demand vaccine production and has implications for various vaccines, including those based on proteins or inactivated viruses. Funded by various health organizations, the study represents a significant advancement in vaccine accessibility and storage technologies.
