Insulin delivery and the artificial beta cell: luminal obstructions in capillary conduits

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Polypeptide-based therapeutics, such as insulin, require reliable delivery mechanisms.
• Fine bore tubing used in insulin delivery systems are prone to luminal occlusions.
• Existing sectioning methods for capillary tubing create distorted ends that promote insulin aggregation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the issue of luminal occlusions in insulin delivery systems.
• To introduce a novel technique for sectioning polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) capillary tubing.
• To improve the longevity and reliability of insulin delivery devices.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the causes of luminal occlusions in insulin delivery tubes using scanning electron microscopy.
• Developed and tested a new sectioning technique for PTFE capillary tubing.
• Evaluated the integrity of the tubing ends after the novel sectioning process.

Main Results:

• Standard sectioning methods result in barbed and distorted capillary tube exits.
• Insulin aggregates were observed to localize on these distorted exits.
• The novel sectioning technique successfully avoided the formation of barbed and distorted exits.

Conclusions:

• The observed insulin aggregation and subsequent luminal occlusions are linked to the method of tube sectioning.
• A novel sectioning technique for PTFE capillary tubing effectively prevents distortions that cause insulin aggregation.
• This improved sectioning method has the potential to enhance the performance and reliability of insulin delivery devices.