Perspectivas da utilização de nanopartículas de quitosana na produção de vacinas

Abstract

The development of new vaccines that are stable and economical, require few doses and may be administered using free needle systems is undoubtedly a global priority. Given this need, it is essential the development of new adjuvants and more efficient, economic and biocompatible delivery systems. Chitosan has been shown as an extremely promising option, both as a biocarrier and an adjuvant. It offers biocompatibility, biodegradability and low toxicity, which are the main reasons for their success in various areas in which it is used. Another essential factor for its diverse performance is its chemical structure, which allows the realization of interactions with different functional groups, facilitating the occurrence of adaptation to achieve the desired function. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-allergic and anti-ulcerogenic properties, which amplifies even more its acting field. The polysaccharide is also able to form nanoparticles easily, which improves the absorption capacity, and, therefore, favors its use as a vaccine biocarrier. Furthermore, it also acts accentuating the immune response, as a potent adjuvant with valuable features. This review brings together several studies that show the properties and forms of action of this versatile biopolymer. In order to highlight its great potential and variety application it will be presented several information of the most important derivative of chitin.