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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
09:39
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Pure insulin nanoparticle agglomerates for pulmonary delivery
Mark M Bailey1, Eric M Gorman, Eric J Munson
1Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, USA.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 31, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed pure insulin microparticles for inhalation, improving diabetes treatment compliance. These particles have optimal size for lung deposition, offering a more convenient alternative to insulin injections.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (Type I and Type II) involves insulin utilization defects, often managed with injections.
- Current insulin injection therapy faces challenges with patient compliance due to pain and inconvenience.
- Novel inhaled insulin formulations are being explored to improve treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop pure insulin microparticles suitable for pulmonary drug delivery.
- To characterize the physicochemical properties of the produced insulin microparticles.
- To assess the potential of these microparticles for efficient lung deposition and systemic absorption.
Main Methods:
- Insulin nanoparticles were synthesized by adjusting pH to the isoelectric point (pI).
- Nanoparticles were converted to microparticles using solvent displacement techniques.
- Characterization included particle size, crystallinity, dissolution, structural stability, and powder density analysis.
Main Results:
- Pure insulin microparticles were successfully produced from nanosuspensions with minimal processing.
- The microparticles exhibited properties suitable for deposition in the peripheral lung.
- Key characteristics like particle size, crystallinity, and dissolution were optimized.
Conclusions:
- A novel method for producing excipient-free insulin microparticles was established.
- These microparticles demonstrate potential as an effective inhaled alternative to insulin injections.
- The developed formulation addresses limitations of current diabetes management, potentially improving patient compliance.
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