Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Transdermal Insulin Delivery Using Ionic Liquid-Mediated Nanovesicles for Diabetes Treatment.
Fahmida Habib Nabila1, Rashedul Islam1, Li Yamin1
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
New ethosome and trans-ethosome nanovesicles enhance transdermal insulin delivery for diabetes management. These biocompatible formulations significantly improve insulin penetration and reduce blood glucose levels for extended periods.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Transdermal insulin delivery offers controlled release for diabetes management but is limited by insulin's large molecular weight hindering skin penetration.
- High doses are currently required, impacting commercial viability and patient adherence.
- Novel nanovesicle formulations are needed to overcome these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate ethosome (ET) and trans-ethosome (TET) nanovesicles for enhanced transdermal insulin delivery.
- To assess the efficacy of these formulations in improving insulin penetration and controlling blood glucose levels in a diabetic mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of ET and TET nanovesicles using a lipid-based ionic liquid and various surfactants (IPM, Tween-80, Span-20).
- Characterization of nanovesicles using dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, TEM, and CLSM.
- In vitro and in vivo studies on artificial human skin and a diabetic mouse model to evaluate transdermal penetration, biocompatibility, and blood glucose reduction.
Main Results:
- Stable ET and TET nanovesicles with suitable particle sizes were successfully formulated and remained stable for over 3 months.
- ET and TET formulations with isopropyl myristate (TET1) significantly enhanced FITC-tagged insulin penetration through mouse and pig skin by altering the stratum corneum.
- Nanovesicles demonstrated biocompatibility (cell viability >80%) and significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice for over 15 hours, outperforming injection.
Conclusions:
- Ethosome and trans-ethosome nanovesicles, particularly TET1, are effective in enhancing transdermal insulin penetration and providing sustained glycemic control.
- These formulations are biocompatible and non-irritating, showing high potential for commercial transdermal insulin patches.
- The developed nanovesicles offer a promising, comfortable, and adherent alternative for diabetes management.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...

