Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
A rapid-acting, long-acting insulin formulation based on a phospholipid complex loaded PHBHHx nanoparticles
Qiang Peng1, Zhi-Rong Zhang, Tao Gong
1Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.
Biodegradable nanoparticles loaded with insulin phospholipid complexes offer sustained insulin release for over 3 days, significantly enhancing bioavailability and patient compliance in diabetes management.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hydrophilic drugs like insulin pose challenges for sustained delivery.
- Biodegradable polymers offer potential for controlled drug release applications.
- Phospholipid complexation can improve drug loading and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize insulin phospholipid complex loaded biodegradable poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) nanoparticles (INS-PLC-NPs).
- To evaluate the in vitro release profile and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of INS-PLC-NPs.
- To assess the pharmacological bioavailability of insulin delivered via INS-PLC-NPs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of INS-PLC-NPs using a solvent evaporation method.
- Characterization of nanoparticle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency.
- In vitro drug release studies and in vivo hypoglycemic effect assessment in diabetic rats.
Main Results:
- INS-PLC-NPs exhibited a spherical shape with a mean particle size of 186.2 nm and high entrapment efficiency (89.73%).
- In vitro studies showed sustained insulin release (<20% over 31 days) with minimal burst release.
- In vivo studies demonstrated a prolonged hypoglycemic effect (>3 days) and over 350% enhanced pharmacological bioavailability compared to insulin solution.
Conclusions:
- INS-PLC-NPs provide a promising long-lasting insulin delivery formulation, enhancing patient compliance.
- Phospholipid complex loaded biodegradable nanoparticles (PLC-NPs) are effective for sustained delivery of hydrophilic proteins in hydrophobic polymers.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II

