Long-Term Vaccine Delivery and Immunological Responses Using Biodegradable Polymer-Based Carriers

Biodegradable polymers are largely employed in the biomedical field, ranging from tissue regeneration to drug/vaccine delivery. The biodegradable polymers are highly biocompatible and possess negligible toxicity. In addition, biomaterial-based vaccines possess adjuvant properties, thereby enhancing immune responses. This Review introduces the use of different biodegradable polymers and their degradation mechanism. Different kinds of vaccines, as well as the interaction between the carriers with the immune system, then are highlighted. Natural and synthetic biodegradable micro-/nanoplatforms, hydrogels, and scaffolds for local or targeted and controlled vaccine release are subsequently discussed.