A study conducted by Laura Richert and her colleagues, entitled, “A Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Platform Elicits Heightened And Hastened Local Lung Mucosal Antibody Production After A Single Dose” was featured in Science Direct. The researchers, through experiments demonstrated in this study, showed that a model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), can be chemically conjugated to the exterior of a small heat shock protein (sHsp) cage that has structural similarities to virus-like particles (VLPs).
The researchers ensured the consistence of size distribution of the VLPs utilized in the study by determining the dynamic light scattering measurements using Brookhaven’s NanoBrook 90Plus Particle Size Analyzer. The VLPS were then conjugated with sHsp to investigate its potential for vaccine development. The series of experiments demonstrated that sHsp nanoparticles brought out quick and intense antibody responses and these accelerated responses could similarly be induced to antigen conjugated to the sHsp. Furthermore, the researchers were able to demonstrate that VLPs, which are unrelated to the antigen of subsequent challenge, could similarly impact the lung microenvironment, without the associated pathology, thereby shaping future immune responses.
The application of nanomaterials to biomedicine is an innovation in nanotechnology used by experts for medical breakthroughs. To attain effective results, scientists only utilize accurate and precise equipment to handle nanomaterials. Brookhaven Instruments features technologically advanced and top grade equipment for particle size analysis including the NanoBrook 90Plus Particle Size Analyzer.
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