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Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Intestinal-Target and Glucose-Responsive Smart Hydrogel toward Oral Delivery System of Drug with Improved Insulin
Rui Ying1,2,3, Wei Wang1,2,3, Rui Chen1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China.
Abstract:
An intelligent insulin delivery system targeting intestinal absorption and glucose responsiveness can enhance the bioavailability through oral insulin therapy, offering promising diabetes treatment. In this paper, a glucose and pH dual-response polymer hydrogel using carboxymethyl agarose modified with 3-amino-phenylboronic acid and l-valine (CPL) was developed as an insulin delivery carrier, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility and effective insulin encapsulation. The insulin encapsulated in the hydrogel (Ins-CPL) was released in a controlled manner in response to the in vivo stimulation of blood glucose and pH levels with higher levels of intracellular uptake and utilization of insulin in the intestinal environment simultaneously. Notably, the Ins-CPL hydrogel effectively regulated blood sugar in diabetic rats over a long period by simulating endogenous insulin, responding to changes in plasma pH and glucose levels, and overcoming the intestinal epithelium barrier. This indicates a significant boost in oral insulin bioavailability and broadens its application prospects.
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