Many different ways have been used to try to treat or alleviate the sufferings of those affected by allergies. On the DBV Technologies internet site you’ll see how hi-tech electrospray technology is at the forefront of this Paris-based company’s drive to beat food allergies.
Source: http://www.dbv-technologies.com
Electrosprays are capable of spraying an electrically-charged jet of particles. In this case, they project a stream of antigens onto the titanium backing of an adhesive patch called a Viaskin patch. This patch is then placed on the skin. The antigens form a very thin, even, dry layer on the backing. In contact with the skin, heat from the patient’s body creates moisture inside a ‘condensation chamber’. At this point, the dry proteins start to solubilize. This makes it possible for them to penetrate the skin and through this, reach the Langerhans cells just beneath. These cells are illustrated below. Langerhans cells are amongst the most antigen-tolerant cells in the whole human body, and it’s because of this that they represent a safer ‘entry point’ for allergens into the body, whether these are associated with milk, egg or peanut allergies.