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Smart Hydrogel Microneedle Patches for mRNA Nanoparticle Vaccination

Grant number: 101274031

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Key facts

  • Disease

    N/A

  • Start & end year

    2027
    2029

  • Known Financial Commitments (USD)

    $275,170.66

  • Funder

    European Commission

  • Principal Investigator

    N/A

  • Research Location

    Sweden

  • Lead Research Institution

    KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET

  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A

  • Research Category

    Vaccines research, development and implementation

  • Research Subcategory

    Vaccine design and administration

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Not Applicable

  • Vulnerable Population

    Not applicable

  • Occupations of Interest

    Not applicable

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the transformative potential of mRNA vaccines, yet their delivery remains confined to intramuscular injections, which cause discomfort, reduce compliance, and rely on cold-chain logistics. Microneedle patches offer a minimally invasive alternative, but current systems mainly provide single-burst, fixed-dose release, limiting safety and efficacy. This project, SHINE-Vax, develops a temperature-responsive hydrogel microneedle system for controlled mRNA vaccine delivery. Dual hydrogel layers with distinct phase transitions enable an initial release pulse at normal body temperature (~37 °C), sustained low-dose diffusion to reinforce immunity, and reversible suppression under fever-like conditions (~39 °C). Encapsulated lipid/polymer nanoparticles preserve mRNA integrity and stability, reducing cold-chain dependence. By integrating materials engineering, nanotechnology, and vaccine science, SHINE-Vax will deliver a proof-of-concept prototype (TRL 2-3) demonstrating autonomous, adaptive release. This innovation aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and safety while broadening accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings, positioning Europe at the forefront of next-generation, patient-friendly vaccination technologies.