Katharina Buczek
In turn, the researchers focused on developing a new temperature-regulating hydrogel– which consists of a synthetic polymer known as PEG.
PEG is a “cloaking device” of sorts that can encapsulate the proteins inside vaccines, much like Tupperware.
This allows for a greater temperature tolerance range of eight degrees Celcius rather than the previous two degrees– consequently extending the shelf-life of vaccines housed or transported in inadequate conditions.
Plus, once the vaccines are ready to be used, simply adding a sugar solution will release the hydrogel.
This emerging technology will not only help wealthy countries cut down on stock vaccine waste but may also greatly aid developing countries that continue to report low vaccination rates– including Algeria, Mali, Chad, Sudan, and more, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Additionally, this shelf-life-extending protocol may be viable for other traditionally routine vaccinations, including meningitis, chicken pox, shingles, and more.
To review the study’s complete findings published in Science Advances, visit the link here.
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Margot Robbie’s Salary For The New Barbie Film Just Made Her The Highest-Paid Actress In Hollywood
