Catanionic nanocarriers as a potential vehicle for insulin delivery

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus affects millions globally, with insulin injections posing challenges like high costs and infection risks.
• Current insulin delivery methods have limitations that necessitate innovative solutions.
• Nanotechnology offers potential for advanced drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate catanionic benzyl n-hexadecyldimethylammonium 1,4 -bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (BHD-AOT) vesicles for insulin encapsulation.
• To analyze the structural properties and stability of insulin-loaded vesicles (VIn) under varying pH conditions.
• To assess the in vivo efficacy of VIn in reducing blood glucose levels via different administration routes.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation efficiency of insulin within BHD-AOT vesicles was determined.
• Vesicle-Insulin (VIn) system's structural properties (size, zeta potential) and stability were analyzed at different pH levels.
• In vivo studies in mice were conducted to evaluate the glycemic control effects of VIn administration.

Main Results:

• BHD-AOT vesicles demonstrated significant insulin encapsulation efficiencies (55-73%) at tested concentrations.
• The VIn system exhibited increased size (120-350 nm), altered zeta potential, and notable stability across various pH conditions.
• In vivo administration of VIn resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose levels, including via the oral route.

Conclusions:

• BHD-AOT vesicles are suitable for encapsulating and protecting insulin.
• The VIn system shows potential as an alternative to conventional insulin therapy, with versatile administration possibilities.
• This nanovesicle approach could overcome limitations associated with current diabetes management strategies.