Polymers for subunit vaccine delivery

Mimicking the size and structural features of a pathogen is critical in developing immunity through subunit vaccines; it has been shown that this can be successfully achieved by nano-sized delivery systems and carriers. Recent developments in polymer science make the production of nanomaterials simple, well-controlled and cost-effective. Polymeric delivery systems and vaccine carriers are considered integral part in the development of subunit vaccines. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers possessing immunostimulating properties are most preferred in the development of safe and effective subunit vaccines. This review focuses on the use of polymers and polymeric delivery systems for protein and peptide-based vaccines.