CONTROLLED DELIVERY OF DIPHTHERIA TOXOID USING BIODEGRADABLE POLY(D,L-LACTIDE) MICROCAPSULES

Diphtheria toxoid, which is an important vaccine in the expanded program of immunization (EPI) in the developing countries, was microencapsulated using poly (D,L,-lactide) of 49,000 molecular weight and the in-water drying technique. The microcapsules were subjected to an in vitro antigen release study using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed in the laboratory. Antibody titers in immunized Balb/C mice were also determined using direct ELISA. The antibody units in the immunized group till day 75 were quite comparable to those in the group receiving conventional three-dose injection of diphtheria toxoid with calcium phosphate as an adjuvant. SEM photographs of the microcapsules during in vitro degradation demonstrated the erosion kinetics of the polymer, leading to controlled release of the antigen.