Question 1: Vaccination involves introducing antigens into the body to stimulate an immune response. Recent advancements use nanotechnology to improve vaccine delivery. Explain how nanotechnology can enhance vaccine effectiveness.

Answer: Nanotechnology can improve vaccine effectiveness by enabling targeted delivery of antigens to immune cells, increasing stability and controlled release of the vaccine, and enhancing immune recognition through nanoscale particles.

Question 2: Define 'nanoparticle' in the context of vaccine technology.

Answer: A nanoparticle is a particle between 1 and 100 nanometres in size used to deliver antigens more effectively in vaccines.

Question 1: Describe the primary mechanism by which vaccines stimulate immunity.

Answer: Vaccines introduce antigens that trigger the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells, providing immunity against future infections.

Question 2: Explain how nanotechnology can improve the stability of vaccines stored at variable temperatures.

Answer: Nanoparticles can protect antigens from degradation, allowing vaccines to remain stable over a wider temperature range and reducing the need for cold storage.

Question 1: A nanotech-based vaccine contains 50 micrograms of antigen per dose. Convert this amount into nanograms.

Answer: 50000

Question 2: If a new nanoparticle vaccine formulation improves immune response by 25%, and the original response is rated as 80%, what is the new expected immune response percentage?

Answer: 100

Question 1: Outline a basic experimental procedure to test the efficacy of a nanotech vaccine in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Prepare two groups of laboratory animals, administer the nanotech vaccine to one group and a placebo to the other, monitor for immune response markers over time, and compare results to assess efficacy.

Question 2: Identify two variables that should be controlled during this experiment and explain why.

Answer: Variables such as the age and health status of the animals should be controlled to ensure that differences in immune response are due to the vaccine, not other factors.

Question 3: State two safety precautions that should be taken when handling nanomaterials in vaccine research.

Answer: Use appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and lab coats, and work within a biosafety cabinet to prevent inhalation or contact with nanomaterials.

Question 1: A study reports that a nanotech vaccine induced an average antibody titre of 120 units/mL in vaccinated individuals, compared to 80 units/mL in those receiving a traditional vaccine. What can be inferred about the effectiveness of nanotech vaccines based on this data?

Answer: The nanotech vaccine appears more effective at stimulating an immune response, as indicated by higher antibody levels compared to the traditional vaccine.

Question 1: Discuss how nanotechnology has revolutionised vaccine development, including its advantages and potential risks. Provide examples to support your answer. (6 marks)

Answer: Nanotechnology allows for targeted delivery of antigens, improved stability, and controlled release, leading to more effective and longer-lasting vaccines. Examples include nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccines. However, potential risks include unforeseen immune reactions, long-term safety concerns, and environmental impact of nanomaterials. Overall, nanotech has greatly advanced vaccine efficacy but requires careful regulation.

Question 1: Describe how nanotechnology could be used to develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases that are difficult to target with traditional methods.

Answer: Nanotechnology can enable rapid development of vaccines by allowing custom-designed nanoparticles to deliver antigens specifically to immune cells, improve stability in diverse environments, and facilitate quick adaptation to new pathogens.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential impact of nanotech vaccines on global health in the next decade.

Answer: Nanotech vaccines could significantly enhance global health by providing more effective, stable, and easily distributable vaccines, reducing disease spread, and enabling rapid responses to pandemics. Challenges include ensuring safety, affordability, and equitable access worldwide.