Unique 'vaccine injection' using dental floss

Scientists at North Carolina State University, USA have successfully tested a method of 'injecting' vaccines using dental floss instead of traditional needles.

In the future, people who are afraid of needles can comfortably get vaccinated with dental floss - Illustration: Bella Dental

The team found that when the vaccine was applied to dental floss and then administered to the junctional epithelium, the mice generated a significantly stronger mucosal antibody response than when the vaccine was administered sublingually, the current standard for oral administration.

The protection against influenza is similar to the nasal route, but without the risk of the vaccine reaching the brain.

The special feature of the junctional epithelium is that it is more permeable than other epithelial layers and is in direct contact with the bacterial environment, helping to deliver vaccines into the body effectively and safely.

The approach was also tested with three other common vaccine formulations (protein, inactivated virus, mRNA) and all resulted in strong immune responses both in the blood and on mucosal surfaces. Eating or drinking immediately after the “injection” did not reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.

In an initial test with 27 people, the team used dental floss soaked in food dye to simulate vaccination, and the results showed that about 60% of the dye was delivered in the right place. This suggests that dental floss could be a viable tool for needle-free self-injection.

However, this method is not applicable to children who have not yet grown teeth, and further research is needed in people with gum disease or oral infections.

The research team hopes that if successful in the next phase, the technique will move to clinical trials, opening up a simple, cheap vaccine option for people who are afraid of needles.

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VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doc-la-tiem-vac-xin-bang-tam-chi-nha-khoa-20250812132407445.htm