Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
09:31
Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres
Published on: November 5, 2016
Insulin-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles: efficient, sustained and safe insulin delivery system
Thiago M de Araújo1, Zaine Teixeira, Helena C Barbosa-Sampaio
1Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, CEP 13083-881, SP Brazil.
Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology
|July 18, 2013
Summary
Biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles efficiently deliver insulin, reducing blood glucose in diabetic rats with sustained effects and no observed toxicity. This controlled release system offers a promising tool for managing type 1 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes requires consistent insulin therapy.
- Existing insulin delivery methods face challenges in achieving sustained release and patient compliance.
- Polymeric nanoparticles offer a potential platform for improved drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient, biodegradable, and safe controlled-release system for insulin using poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of insulin-loaded PCL nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Insulin-loaded PCL nanoparticles were prepared using a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion method with Pluronic F68.
- Nanoparticle characterization included encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, and particle size analysis.
- In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using MIN6 cells, and in vivo efficacy and safety were evaluated in type 1 diabetic rats.
Main Results:
- The double emulsion method yielded nanoparticles with high insulin encapsulation efficiency (90.6%) and a particle size of 796 nm.
- Insulin-loaded PCL nanoparticles demonstrated no toxicity to MIN6 cells.
- In vivo studies showed rapid and sustained glycemic control in diabetic rats, outperforming unencapsulated insulin, with no observed hepatotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Insulin-loaded PCL nanoparticles are a biocompatible, efficient, and safe system for controlled insulin delivery.
- The developed nanoparticles offer a powerful tool for improved patient care in insulin-dependent diabetes.
- The water-in-oil-in-water emulsion method is suitable for producing effective insulin-loaded PCL nanoparticles.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:27Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Insulin preparations are categorized by their duration of action into short-acting and long-acting types. Two strategies are used to modify insulin's absorption and pharmacokinetic profile: slowing the absorption post-subcutaneous injection, or altering human insulin's amino acid sequence or protein structure. These changes retain the insulin's ability to bind to the insulin receptor, but alter its behavior in solution or after injection.
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...
01:26Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Continuous-release drug delivery systems offer a strategic approach to maintaining therapeutic drug levels over extended periods following oral administration. By modulating the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients, these systems minimize fluctuations in plasma concentrations, which enhances clinical efficacy and reduces the need for frequent dosing. Such characteristics make them particularly advantageous in managing chronic diseases where patient adherence and stable drug...
01:30Production of Pharmaceuticals
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under sterile, tightly...