Glucose-Responsive Microneedle Patch with High Insulin Loading Capacity for Prolonged Glycemic Control in Mice and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Transdermal microneedle systems offer minimally invasive glucose-responsive insulin delivery for diabetes management.
• Conventional microneedles face limitations in drug loading capacity, hindering prolonged therapeutic effects and clinical translation.
• Achieving sustained normoglycemia requires efficient insulin delivery systems with high drug loading and precise glucose responsiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microneedle patch with a high insulin loading capacity and glucose-responsive release mechanism.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional microneedles for long-term blood glucose regulation.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of the novel microneedle patch in preclinical models of diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microneedle patch featuring a solid insulin powder core and a glucose-sensitive polymeric shell.
• Utilizing the formation of glucose-boronate complexes to trigger insulin release in response to hyperglycemia.
• In vivo testing of the microneedle patch in type 1 diabetic mice and minipigs to assess glucose regulation efficacy and duration.

Main Results:

• The developed microneedle patch achieved a high insulin loading capacity exceeding 70 wt %.
• The glucose-sensitive shell facilitated accelerated insulin release upon exposure to high glucose concentrations.
• Sustained blood glucose regulation was demonstrated for up to 48 hours in type 1 diabetic mice and minipigs.

Conclusions:

• The novel microneedle patch design effectively addresses the low drug loading capacity of conventional systems.
• This glucose-responsive system provides a promising minimally invasive approach for long-term diabetes management.
• The demonstrated efficacy in animal models suggests potential for clinical translation in treating type 1 diabetes.