RMIT and MIT Research Advances mRNA Vaccine Patch Technology for Easier Distribution
A collaborative research effort between RMIT University in Melbourne and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States has made significant strides in the development of mRNA vaccine patches. The research, utilizing the Australian Synchrotron's Small-Angle and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) beamlines, has demonstrated that mRNA vaccines can be stored in a polymer matrix, reducing the need for cold storage. This innovation could lead to the creation of microneedle patches, which are small, band-aid-like devices that deliver vaccines through the skin, eliminating the need for traditional needles. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, highlights the potential for these patches to overcome logistical challenges in vaccine distribution, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure. 
