9. Edible Vaccines in Plants
By inserting vaccine antigen genes into plants, scientists have turned tomatoes and potatoes into edible immunization vehicles. In one landmark study, PNAS researchers expressed the hepatitis B surface antigen in transgenic potatoes, eliciting robust antibody responses in volunteers.
This needle-free approach bypasses cold chains and healthcare workers, simplifying vaccine distribution in remote regions. A review in PLOS Medicine covers challenges in dosage control and stability, yet optimism remains high for commercial edible vaccines to transform global immunization programs.