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Glucose-Responsive Materials for Smart Insulin Delivery: From Protein-Based to Protein-Free Design
Suchetan Pal1,2, Tatini Rakshit3, Sunita Saha2
1Department of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Bhilai, Durg, 491002, CG India.
ACS Materials Au
|March 17, 2025
Summary
Smart insulin delivery systems use glucose-responsive materials to mimic the pancreas. Protein-free materials offer improved stability over older protein-based systems for diabetes treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Diabetes Technology
Background:
- Diabetes management traditionally relies on external insulin administration.
- The pancreas naturally regulates blood glucose via closed-loop insulin secretion.
- Glucose-responsive materials aim to replicate this natural feedback mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of glucose-responsive materials for smart insulin delivery.
- To compare protein-based and protein-free systems.
- To outline challenges and future prospects in the field.
Main Methods:
- Review of protein-based systems (e.g., glucose oxidase, concanavalin A).
- Analysis of protein-free systems (e.g., phenylboronic acid-based hydrogels, nanogels, microneedles).
- Discussion of design principles, glucose/pH sensitivity, and system disintegration.
Main Results:
- Protein-based systems face challenges in stability, scalability, and immunogenicity.
- Protein-free systems demonstrate enhanced long-term stability and storability.
- Various material designs exhibit distinct glucose-sensing and insulin-releasing mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Protein-free glucose-responsive materials represent a significant advancement for smart insulin delivery.
- Further research is needed to overcome remaining challenges for clinical translation.
- These materials hold promise for improved diabetes management and quality of life.
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