Development of a single-dose stabilized poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres-based vaccine against hepatitis B.

The purpose of this study was to develop a stable single-dose vaccine based on recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, in which HBsAg was stabilized by a protein stabilizer (trehalose) and an antacid (Mg(OH)2). The microspheres were prepared by the double emulsion method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. To neutralize the acids liberated by the biodegradable lactic/glycolic acid based polymer, we coincorporated into the polymer an antacid, Mg(OH)2, which neutralized the acidity during degradation of the polymer and also prevented HBsAg structural losses and aggregation. The antigen integrity after encapsulation was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining, isoelectric focusing and Western blotting techniques, which confirmed that antigen remained intact after encapsulation. In-vitro release experiments were performed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) and the release of antigen was found to be improved by the protein stabilizer (trehalose). In stability studies, performed at 37 degrees C, the microspheres were found to be stable for 16 days. The immunogenicity of stable microsphere formulations bearing HBsAg was compared with the conventional alum-absorbed HBsAg vaccine in a guinea-pig model. The antibody titre indicated that a single injection of stabilized HBsAg-PLGA microspheres produced a better immune response than two injections of alum-formulated HBsAg vaccine. The findings suggest that recombinant HBsAg can be stabilized by use of a protein stabilizer and antacid during entrapment, and this stabilized preparation can be useful for antigen delivery.