NIH Research Matters July 23, 2012 Stabilizing Vaccines and
Antibiotics With Silk Researchers developed a way to use silk to
store and distribute vaccines and antibiotics without having to
keep them cold. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, the
technique can lower costs and help expand the use of these
lifesaving medical tools around the world. Most vaccines and
antibiotics need to be refrigerated to remain effective. Their
chemical structures break down when they're exposed to heat or
humidity, making them less potent. These compounds are currently
handled by “cold chain” distribution networks, which keep
temperatures down during transport, storage and handling. The
process is expensive, accounting for up to 80% of the cost of
vaccines. The cold chain system severely limits the availability
of vaccines and medicines in developing nations. Billions of
dollars worth of drugs and nearly half of all global vaccines
are lost annually due to high temperatures and humid conditions.
A research team led by Dr.