Evaluation of albumin microspheres as oral delivery system for Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccines.

Mucosal immunization has been suggested to be the best option for preventing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The purpose of this study was to develop albumin microspheres containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens and to determine if oral administration of the microspheres can induce antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses. Albumin microspheres containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis dead cells and cell lysate were prepared. The physico-chemical characteristics of the formulations were determined and the microspheres were administered to animal models to evaluate the induction of immune responses to the antigens. The results showed that the particle sizes, zeta potential and dissolution pattern of the microspheres were ideal for oral delivery of vaccines. In vivo studies showed high production of antigen-specific antibody production in serum, nasal, salivary and faecal samples. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that oral administration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis microspheres was successful in inducing antigen-specific systemic and mucosal immune responses.