During Undergraduation, I also designed an edible vaccine for the course paper "Entrepreneurship Development", where all steps involved in setting up a Biotechnology venture such as market survey, extent of market, location, availability of materials and financial estimates and returns on investment were worked out. Although much has been achieved in this particular direction I am happy to mention (I don't have any proof) that I had conceived the idea without any knowledge of the research work done in the field.

WONDERVAC-The Herpes Vaccine
Unravel Biotech Limited
Submitted on 8-11-1997
Introduction:
Herpes simplex virus(HSV;type1=HSV1;type2=HSV2) has been implicated as a cancer causing agent. It is known to have common roles in causing sexually transmitted diseases, severe eye infections and encephalitis. A vaccine has been designed against HSV2 infections using recombinant DNA technology. The gene encoding the vaccine has been cloned into the native Karpooravalli banana (Musa spp.). The banana variety will thus make the vaccine by expression of the cloned vaccine gene. The vaccine is a short peptide which is easily absorbed into blood (vascular system)just like oral vaccines.
Technology:
The coding region for the yeast transposon, Ty particle protein p1 is ligated with the gene encoding the HSV2 viral envelope protein(antigenic determinant) and the reporter gus gene. This hybrid construct is transferred into Karpooravalli plantlets by microprojectile bombardment. Fruit specific enzyme tagging is ensured. Another method for the transfer of the construct, which is currently under trial, is the direct gene transfer into protoplasts, which can then be regenerated into whole viable plants. The recombinants are selected on the basis of a blue coloration, which is obtained as a result of the cleavage reaction of b-D-glucuronidase on the substrate, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl b-D-glucuronide.
Highlights:
§ The vaccine is biologically preserved by its nature of remaining embedded in the fruit.
§ It is stable for approximately ten days.
§ Transportation at room temperature is easy and no special storage is required.
§ Administration is novel and unbelievably simple-JUST EAT IT

This attempt enabled me to discover a new potential within me.
Prof. Jayaraman.G from the A.L.Mudaliar PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences helped me with the following doubts I had:
How can the protein be protected such that it is not degraded by proteolytic enzymes?
At what intervals must another dose be given?
How long will it remain effective?