Biomimetic micromotor enables active delivery of antigens for oral vaccination

Summary

This proof-of-concept vaccine study uses a self-propelled biomimetic micromotor to improve oral delivery of an antivirulence antigen. A magnesium core supplied propulsion in the gastrointestinal environment, while a cell-membrane coating captured and neutralized a toxic antigenic payload, converting it into a motor toxoid. After fabrication and in vitro uptake were verified, the formulation was administered orally to mice. Active propulsion increased retention and uptake of antigen material in the small intestine compared with a nonpropelled context. That improved local delivery translated into substantially higher antibody titers against the model toxin. The principal finding is that microscale motion can enhance mucosal exposure to a detoxified antigen and thereby strengthen an immune response after convenient oral administration. The membrane coating contributes antigen safety, while the motor addresses the physical challenge of retaining vaccine material at an absorptive surface. Its significance is a route toward potent, needle-free vaccines that may improve adherence while using active delivery rather than only stronger adjuvants. The abstract does not report challenge protection, duration or quality of immunity, detailed controls, gastrointestinal safety, motor degradation, or whether the approach works with clinically relevant pathogens and antigens.