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Efficient Oral Insulin Delivery Through Thiolated Trimethyl Chitosan-Grafted β-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles
Lizhen Yu1,2, Fengge Wang2, Shuyun Bao2
1Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China.
Pharmaceutics
|January 28, 2026
Summary
A novel nanodrug delivery system using thiolated trimethyl chitosan-grafted β-cyclodextrin (NCT) nanoparticles enhances oral insulin delivery. This platform improves insulin stability and bioavailability, offering a promising alternative for diabetes management.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Oral insulin offers improved patient compliance compared to injections.
- Instability and poor gastrointestinal permeation limit current oral insulin formulations.
- A novel cationic polysaccharide nanodrug delivery platform is needed for effective oral insulin delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel nanodrug delivery platform for efficient oral insulin delivery.
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties and therapeutic efficacy of the developed nanocarrier.
- To overcome the limitations of oral insulin instability and poor permeation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of thiolated trimethyl chitosan-grafted β-cyclodextrin (NCT) nanoparticles.
- Characterization of NCT nanoparticle physicochemical properties.
- In vivo evaluation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animal models.
Main Results:
- NCT nanoparticles exhibit mucus adhesion, permeability, and pH sensitivity for controlled release.
- In vivo studies showed extended insulin retention in the small intestine.
- Blood glucose levels decreased by 39% at 5 hours, with a 12.58% increase in insulin bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- NCT nanoparticles protect insulin from gastrointestinal degradation.
- The platform effectively overcomes intestinal barriers for enhanced oral delivery.
- This represents a promising strategy for oral delivery of biomolecules like insulin.
Keywords:
N-trimethyl chitosanabsorption barrierscarboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrininsulinoral drug delivery carrierthiolated polymerMore Related Videos
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