This comprehensive volume compiles the concepts essential for the
understanding of the pharmaceutical science and technology associated
with the delivery of subunit vaccines. Twenty-one chapters are divided
into four main parts: (I) Background; (2) Delivery Systems for Subunit
Vaccines; (3) Delivery Routes, Devices and Dosage Forms; and (4)
Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control of Vaccines. Part one
provide a basic background with respect to immunology and general
vaccine classification. In part two, it presents representative types of
vaccine delivery systems individually with focus on the physicochemical
properties of the systems and their significance for the immune response
they stimulate. These delivery systems include aluminum adjuvants,
emulsions, liposomes, bilosomes, cubosomes/hexosomes, ISCOMs, virus-like
particles, polymeric nano- and microparticles, gels, implants and
cell-based delivery systems.
Following these chapters, part three addresses the challenges associated
with vaccine delivery via specific routes of administration--in
particular subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, nasal, pulmonary,
transdermal and vaginal administration. Furthermore, the specific
administration routes are discussed in combination with device
technologies relevant for the respective routes as well as dosage forms
appropriate for the device technology. Finally, the fourth part concerns
pharmaceutical analysis and quality control of subunit vaccines.
