Halloysite nanotubes for efficient loading, stabilization and controlled release of insulin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Oral insulin delivery faces challenges due to rapid degradation, low bioavailability, and poor permeability.
• Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) offer a potential solution as nanostructured carriers for protein delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize halloysite nanotube (HNT) hybrid materials for effective insulin delivery.
• To evaluate the stability and release profile of insulin loaded within HNTs.

Main Methods:

• Loading insulin into halloysite nanotubes (HNTs).
• Analyzing the thermal behavior and stability of insulin-loaded HNTs using various techniques.
• Conducting release experiments to assess nanocarrier efficacy.
• Utilizing Circular Dichroism to confirm the secondary structure of released insulin.

Main Results:

• Halloysite nanotubes demonstrated efficacy as a nanocarrier for insulin delivery.
• Released insulin retained its native-like secondary structure for at least three months, confirming HNT suitability.
• Insulin-loaded HNTs were incorporated into chitosan matrices for potential transdermal delivery applications.

Conclusions:

• Halloysite nanotubes provide an efficient strategy for preparing insulin-loaded nanocarriers.
• The HNT/insulin hybrid system is suitable for biomedical applications, including potential transdermal delivery.
• This research provides a fundamental basis for designing advanced drug delivery systems.