Glucose-responsive microneedle patch for closed-loop dual-hormone delivery in mice and pigs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endocrinology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Insulin and glucagon are key pancreatic hormones regulating blood glucose.
• Current glucose-responsive insulin systems lack glucagon release, risking hypoglycemia.
• A closed-loop system for dual hormone delivery is needed for safer glycemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a transdermal microneedle patch for glucose-responsive, closed-loop delivery of both insulin and glucagon.
• To achieve dynamic glycemic regulation with minimized risk of hypoglycemia.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a transdermal polymeric microneedle patch incorporating glucose-responsive phenylboronic acid units.
• Utilizing the charge-shifting properties of phenylboronic acid upon glucose binding to control drug release.
• In vivo testing in chemically induced type 1 diabetic mouse and minipig models.

Main Results:

• The microneedle patch demonstrated glucose-responsive, dual-hormone delivery.
• Dynamic tuning of insulin and glucagon analog release based on blood glucose fluctuations.
• Sustained and tight glycemic regulation in both mouse and minipig models (>24 hours in minipigs).

Conclusions:

• The developed microneedle patch enables effective, self-regulated closed-loop glycemic control.
• This dual-hormone delivery system minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia, a significant clinical challenge.
• The technology holds promise for advanced diabetes management therapeutics.