A team of researchers at Purdue University has developed a new method for freeze-drying vaccines that is expected to be cheaper and faster than current options. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges associated with vaccine transportation, particularly the need for cold storage throughout the process. Freeze-drying vaccines has been in use for over five decades and played a crucial role in the eradication of smallpox. However, the existing freeze-drying process is either time-consuming or expensive.
The team at Purdue aims to overcome this limitation by utilizing microwaves in the freeze-drying process. Alina Alexeenko, a researcher involved in the project, stated that their goal is to increase capacity and make freeze-drying more viable on a large scale. The microwave method promises to address the bottleneck and significantly improve vaccine access, especially in areas lacking proper cold storage facilities.
Unlike traditional vaccines, freeze-dried vaccines do not require refrigeration and can be activated by adding a liquid solution when ready for use. The researchers at Purdue have achieved improved uniformity and heating efficiency in their microwave system, making it a more efficient and effective method for freeze-drying vaccines.
The team is now working on bringing this technology to the market, with hopes of making it available to pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. The development of a faster and cheaper freeze-drying process for vaccines could have a significant impact on global vaccine distribution, particularly in regions with limited resources.
In conclusion, the researchers at Purdue University have made significant progress in developing a microwave-based method for freeze-drying vaccines. Their aim is to increase capacity and improve access to vaccines, particularly in areas with limited cold storage capabilities. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize vaccine transportation and distribution on a global scale.
Sources:
– Purdue University research team
– World Health Organization (WHO)
