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Strong physique - the arrival of plant vaccines
Future parents may soon have even more compelling reasons to encourage their children to eat vegetables. Beyond their well-known nutritional value, these vegetables could soon contain edible vaccines that help boost immunity. As scientists explore new ways to deliver vaccines through food, the idea of consuming immunization through diet is becoming a real possibility.
Researchers around the world are investigating how to incorporate vaccines into everyday foods. Australian scientists have been actively involved in this research, using government grants to develop plant-based vaccines. Their work has successfully introduced the measles vaccine into potatoes, peas, bananas, and even rice flour. This approach could revolutionize how vaccines are distributed and administered.
Traditional vaccines are often costly and require strict storage conditions, which can be challenging in developing countries. Plant-based oral vaccines, on the other hand, can be grown and stored more easily, reducing the need for refrigeration and specialized handling. Scientists believe this could significantly improve vaccine accessibility and effectiveness.
The research began with tobacco, as it's an easy plant to genetically modify. Scientists inserted a protein found in the measles virus into tobacco plants and tested them on mice. The results were promising—every mouse developed antibodies that blocked the virus from infecting them.
Dr. Ian Day, one of the researchers, explained that tobacco was chosen for its ease of genetic manipulation. However, he emphasized that the final target should be a plant that children actually enjoy eating. In the U.S., scientists are working on inserting the hepatitis B vaccine into bananas. According to them, this method could cost just a few cents per dose, compared to $100–$200 for traditional vaccines. But Dr. Day pointed out that unless the bananas are processed into a paste, their natural spoilage could affect the vaccine’s stability.
Another option being explored is rice. Australian researchers have made significant progress by creating genetically modified rice that carries a vaccine. However, since cooking can destroy the vaccine, scientists are looking into using rice flour instead.
Studies show that while some vaccines may break down during digestion, others remain active and can work effectively. Some can also combine with proteins in the gut to trigger immunity. Traditional measles vaccines are given via injection, but issues like transportation and storage can reduce their effectiveness. For example, in regions like central Sudan, where refrigeration is scarce, vaccine delivery becomes extremely difficult.
To address these challenges, scientists are working on embedding vaccines directly into edible plants. This would eliminate the need for refrigeration and professional administration. Researchers predict that a safe and effective plant-based measles vaccine could be available within the next decade, offering a game-changing solution for global health.