Boosting the oral absorption of insulin using Ultrafine bubbles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) (<1 μm) exhibit stability in liquids due to Brownian motion.
• UFBs possess unique physicochemical properties, including a negative surface charge, suggesting potential biological applications.
• The negative surface charge of UFBs may influence enzymatic activity and enhance peptide drug absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of UFBs on the mucosal absorption of insulin, a model peptide drug.
• To determine if UFBs can improve both intestinal and oral absorption of insulin.
• To evaluate the underlying mechanism and biological safety of UFBs for drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Insulin was administered to rats intestinally and orally with varying concentrations of UFB solutions.
• Insulin degradation was assessed in pepsin and trypsin solutions in the presence and absence of UFBs.
• Biological safety was evaluated by monitoring blood biochemical parameters and organ health.

Main Results:

• UFB solutions significantly promoted mucosal insulin absorption.
• Increased UFB concentration correlated with enhanced ileal and oral insulin absorption.
• UFBs were found to reduce insulin degradation by pepsin and trypsin.
• UFBs demonstrated biological safety, with no adverse effects on blood parameters or organ health.

Conclusions:

• UFBs in water represent a novel and effective method for increasing the oral absorption of peptide drugs like insulin.
• UFBs show potential as a promising delivery tool for future clinical drug development.
• This study provides the first evidence for UFBs enhancing oral insulin absorption.